Affirmations, Consensus Define APC’s Nationwide Governorship Primaries
APC Begins 2027 Battle With Massive Governorship Primaries
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections following the successful conduct of governorship primaries across several states, producing a combination of incumbent governors, consensus candidates and party loyalists as flag bearers.
The nationwide exercises reflected the ruling party’s strategy of strengthening internal cohesion through consensus arrangements, affirmation votes and negotiated withdrawals, although pockets of discontent surfaced in some states.
From Delta to Kaduna, Lagos to Borno, APC stakeholders rallied behind preferred candidates in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and political stability ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Incumbent Governors Retain Control
Several incumbent governors seeking second terms secured overwhelming endorsements from party members during the primaries.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Delta State after receiving 345,375 affirmation votes from party members across the state.
In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani recorded 459,393 votes in an affirmation exercise hailed by party officials as transparent and credible.
Governors Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger, Dikko Radda of Katsina and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara also secured tickets through consensus and affirmation arrangements backed by delegates and stakeholders.
Political observers noted that the outcomes reflected the growing influence of incumbent governors within the APC structure.
Key Political Figures Emerge
In Lagos State, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat defeated Lanre Jim-Kamal to secure the APC governorship ticket after a direct primary election conducted across the state.
Party leaders described the exercise as peaceful and reflective of grassroots participation.
Former House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda also emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State after polling 268,497 votes.
In Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola emerged as the governorship candidate after other aspirants stepped down in support of his candidature.
Meanwhile, Oyo South Senator Sharafadeen Alli won the APC governorship primary in Oyo State after dominating the exercise across nearly all wards in the state.
Consensus Politics Shapes Borno, Kano
Consensus politics played a major role in Borno and Kano states.
In Borno, Mustapha Gubio emerged as APC governorship candidate following consultations among party stakeholders and affirmation by delegates.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Babagana Zulum attended the exercise and urged party members to remain united.
In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf secured affirmation as the party’s sole governorship candidate during a congress attended by top APC figures, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Delays, Complaints Trail Some Primaries
While many states recorded peaceful exercises, some witnessed complaints over logistics and alleged attempts at candidate imposition.
In Plateau State, late arrival of materials delayed voting in several local government areas, creating frustration among party members.
Bauchi State also witnessed protests from some APC supporters who opposed alleged plans to impose candidates after the governorship primary was postponed.
In Kwara State, the primary election was rescheduled amid consultations among aspirants, with several contenders later stepping down in support of Ambassador Yahaya Seriki.
APC Projects Unity Ahead of Polls
The APC leadership maintained that the exercises demonstrated the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.
According to party officials, consensus-building and strategic negotiations were necessary to reduce internal conflicts and strengthen party unity.
National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the postponement of some primaries was aimed at guaranteeing transparent and credible elections.
Analysts say the primaries have further revealed the growing influence of governors and established political blocs within the ruling party as the race toward 2027 gathers momentum.
