Internal crisis rock APC ahead of primaries as Governors, Senators jostle for tickets

A fresh power struggle is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of its primaries for the 2027 general elections, with cracks emerging between the party’s National Assembly caucus and the Progressives Governors Forum.

Multiple party sources indicate that the dispute centres on control of party tickets, as serving senators push back against moves by governors, particularly second-term governors, to influence or directly claim National Assembly seats.

The development comes amid growing anxiety among lawmakers who fear losing their return tickets, despite what they describe as an earlier understanding within party ranks.

In a bid to salvage their political fortunes, the leadership of the Senate reportedly reached out to President Bola Tinubu, seeking intervention over what they view as an encroachment by governors into legislative territories.

The move culminated in a closed-door meeting between the President and Senate leadership, led by Godswill Akpabio, although details of the discussions were not officially disclosed.

At the heart of the crisis is the party’s stance against automatic tickets. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, has repeatedly insisted that no aspirant would be guaranteed a return ticket, reinforcing a competitive primary process.

Investigations show that the tension is already playing out across several states. In Ogun, Senator Gbenga Daniel is said to be under pressure following the emergence of Governor Dapo Abiodun as a consensus figure among key stakeholders.

In Kwara, Senator Saliu Mustapha is reportedly locked in a fierce political battle with Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who is said to be eyeing both the governorship succession and influence over the senatorial ticket.

A similar rift is said to be unfolding in Ondo, where Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is believed to be at odds with some federal lawmakers over ticket allocations.

Amid the escalating tensions, President Tinubu on Thursday convened another closed-door meeting with APC governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in what insiders describe as a move to calm frayed nerves and foster unity ahead of the primaries.

Among those in attendance were Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq; Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya; and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, alongside other party leaders.

With APC primaries scheduled to begin in May, the unfolding contest for tickets is expected to intensify, testing party cohesion as various power blocs jostle for dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.

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