Inside APC Primaries: How Governors Outplayed Party Heavyweights
APC Primaries Produce Major Casualties
THE outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries has revealed the vulnerability of some of Nigeria’s most prominent politicians, as governors and entrenched state structures tightened their hold over succession battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Several serving and former public officials, including ministers, senators, ex-police chiefs and influential lawmakers, emerged among the biggest casualties of the internal contests.
The results have sparked fresh debate over the balance of power within the ruling party and the growing influence of governors in determining political futures.
Rivers Drama Ends with Fubara’s Withdrawal
One of the most closely watched developments occurred in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara stepped back from the governorship contest following months of political hostilities with his former ally, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara’s political troubles intensified after a crisis that led to impeachment threats and a temporary emergency arrangement in the state.
Although the governor initially pushed for a return ticket, political negotiations reportedly forced a compromise that cleared the path for Wike ally Kingsley Chinda to emerge as the APC governorship candidate.
The development has been interpreted as a significant victory for Wike in the continuing struggle for control of Rivers politics.
Former Ministers Lose Momentum
The APC primaries also dealt heavy blows to former ministers seeking political comebacks at the state level.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar failed to secure Bauchi’s governorship ticket despite his extensive political experience and perceived backing from the presidency.
The victory of former governor Mohammed Abubakar highlighted the importance of internal alliances and strategic endorsements within the state chapter of the party.
In Oyo State, former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu also lost momentum against Senator Sharafadeen Alli, whose deep-rooted political network and longstanding influence in Ibadan politics gave him a decisive advantage.
Observers say the results showed that federal prominence alone no longer guarantees success in state-level contests.
Gombe and Yobe Battles Reflect Succession Politics
Gombe State witnessed intense political maneuvering as Governor Inuwa Yahaya consolidated his influence over the party structure.
Former governor and senator Danjuma Goje lost his senatorial bid amid renewed tensions with Governor Yahaya, who backed another candidate for the position.
Former Communications Minister Isa Pantami also abandoned his governorship ambition after resistance from party stakeholders weakened his support base.
In Yobe State, Senate President Ahmad Lawan’s governorship ambition collapsed after Governor Mai Mala Buni endorsed Baba Malam Wali as his preferred successor.
Former Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba similarly failed to overturn the consensus arrangement despite his national profile and political connections.
Zoning Emerges as Deciding Factor
Across several APC primaries, zoning considerations played a defining role.
Former Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali reportedly lost support in Gombe because influential stakeholders insisted the governorship should move away from the northern zone.
In Nasarawa, another former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, lost to Senator Ahmad Wadada after party leaders rallied around a candidate from Nasarawa West.
Analysts say these outcomes demonstrate how regional balancing and succession agreements continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
Veteran Politicians Face Changing Realities
The primaries also highlighted shifting generational and political realities within the ruling party.
In Delta State, long-serving House of Representatives member Nicholas Mutu was defeated after nearly three decades in office, as stakeholders backed a candidate from another local government area in the constituency.
Meanwhile in Lagos, Desmond Elliot withdrew from the race for another legislative term, alleging intimidation of his supporters during the process.
The outcomes suggest that even established political figures are increasingly vulnerable when state structures align against them.
Signals Ahead of 2027
The APC primaries have offered an early glimpse into the power dynamics likely to shape the 2027 general elections.
Governors emerged stronger, consensus arrangements proved decisive and local political calculations outweighed national influence in many states.
For many of the defeated aspirants, the results represent more than personal political setbacks; they signal a changing hierarchy within the APC as the ruling party prepares for another fiercely contested electoral cycle.
