Defectors Left In The Cold As APC Primaries Spark Internal Crisis
APC Primaries Shut Out Defectors as Internal Rifts Deepen Ahead of 2027 Elections
Primaries Expose Strains Within Ruling Party
THE recently concluded nationwide primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have triggered widespread discontent among politicians who defected from opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exercises—covering National Assembly and presidential contests—have been described by analysts and aggrieved aspirants as a turning point that exposed deep internal tensions within the ruling party and raised questions about the treatment of defectors.
Held between 16 and 23 May 2026, the primaries were expected to consolidate the APC’s political dominance. Instead, they have produced a wave of petitions, accusations and appeals.
Defectors Lose Ground in Tight Party Contests
A significant number of lawmakers who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and other opposition platforms failed to secure APC tickets.
Among those affected were high-profile defectors such as Senators Ned Nwoko and Neda Imasuen, alongside several House of Representatives members including Nicholas Mutu, Mike Etaba, Ngozi Okolie and Esosa Iyawe.
Others, including Donatus Mathew, Matthew Nwogu and Bassey Akiba, also failed to clinch nominations despite switching allegiance to the ruling party ahead of the polls.
In several constituencies, defectors either lost outright or were disqualified from participating in the primaries.
Allegations of Broken Promises and Political Miscalculations
Many of the affected politicians claimed they were encouraged to defect with assurances of return tickets or favourable political arrangements that did not materialise.
Senator Ned Nwoko, who lost the Delta North senatorial primary, publicly alleged that he was promised an automatic ticket prior to joining the APC, a claim the party has not officially confirmed.
Other aspirants described the process as inconsistent, alleging that internal party structures were used to favour established APC members over newcomers.
Consensus and Direct Primaries Under Scrutiny
Critics also questioned the integrity of the APC’s use of consensus and direct primary methods, as provided for in the Electoral Act 2026.
Some aspirants alleged that consensus arrangements were imposed without full agreement of participants, while others argued that direct primaries were marred by irregularities and unequal access.
These disputes have already led to multiple petitions before the APC National Assembly Primary Election Appeal Committee.
Appeal Process and Rising Tensions
Following the announcement of results, several aggrieved aspirants have formally lodged complaints, demanding review of the processes that produced party candidates.
Party insiders say the appeal committee is now under pressure to address allegations of manipulation, exclusion and breach of internal rules.
Analysts warn that the fallout from the primaries could affect party cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections if not carefully managed.
