By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The ruling All Progressives Congress faces growing internal tension ahead of the 2027 elections as governors impose consensus candidates across several states. Aspirants in places like Nasarawa State, Yobe State, Kogi State and Plateau State complain that party leaders denied them fair primaries. Many aspirants bought nomination forms, mobilised supporters and invested heavily in campaigns. However, party stakeholders allegedly selected candidates behind closed doors without transparent consultations. The controversy now raises a major question: can the APC survive 2027 with deepening internal grievances?
APC’s Consensus Arrangement Is Fueling Anger
Something is clearly wrong inside the APC. Across the country, videos show governorship and legislative aspirants openly weeping after party leaders denied them the chance to contest.
These politicians did not lose elections. Instead, the party stopped them from participating entirely.
To be fair, governors naturally hold influence within their states. A first-term governor who built party structures deserves political respect. However, many APC governors now appear determined to handpick successors without democratic processes.
That approach creates resentment.
In several states, outgoing governors reportedly selected preferred candidates and asked other aspirants to withdraw quietly. Yet many of those aspirants are long-standing party loyalists. They spent years strengthening the APC at ward and local government levels.
Most importantly, they paid huge sums for nomination forms.
Therefore, many members see the consensus arrangement as political exclusion rather than party unity.
Why Forced Consensus Creates Dangerous Divisions
Consensus candidacy is not automatically wrong. In some cases, it helps parties project unity before major elections.
However, consensus only works when all parties willingly agree.
That voluntary element is missing in many APC states.
When party leaders force aspirants to step down without negotiation, they create bitterness. Nigerian politicians rarely forget political humiliation. Instead, they often wait patiently for opportunities to retaliate.
Many aggrieved aspirants now feel trapped.
The Electoral Act 2022 severely limits post-primary defections. Under previous political arrangements, frustrated politicians simply moved to rival parties after losing tickets.
That escape route no longer exists.
Consequently, disappointed aspirants may remain inside the APC while secretly undermining the party during elections.
That danger should worry the APC leadership.
The Electoral Act Changed Nigeria’s Political Calculations
The Electoral Act fundamentally altered Nigeria’s political environment.
Before the law, politicians denied tickets could defect freely and contest elsewhere. Although messy, that process reduced internal tensions within parties.
Today, the restrictions are tighter.
Imagine a senatorial aspirant in Kogi or Plateau who sold properties to fund campaigns. Suddenly, party leaders announce a consensus candidate without conducting primaries. The aspirant cannot legally decamp after the primaries.
Naturally, frustration grows.
In Nigerian politics, blocked ambitions often produce silent rebellion rather than open confrontation. Aggrieved politicians may quietly discourage supporters from voting. Others may sabotage mobilisation structures on election day.
These actions rarely appear publicly.
Yet they can destroy electoral victories.
APC Risks Repeating PDP’s 2015 Mistakes
Ironically, the APC once benefited from similar mistakes made by the People’s Democratic Party.
In 2015, the PDP imposed candidates and weakened internal democracy. Several frustrated politicians defected to the APC and helped strengthen the opposition party nationwide.
For example, Samuel Ortom and Atiku Bagudu both left the PDP after disputes over party tickets.
Their defections proved costly for the PDP.
Now, the APC appears to be following the same path.
Unfortunately, political arrogance often blinds ruling parties to internal cracks until elections expose them brutally.
Anti-Party Activities Could Damage APC in 2027
Anti-party activity remains one of Nigeria’s most effective political weapons.
It operates quietly.
You rarely hear open declarations. Instead, sabotage happens through secret meetings, strategic absences and silent voter suppression on election day.
Even one influential politician can significantly reduce turnout in key areas.
That reality matters because APC victories in several states often depend on narrow margins. If one powerful aspirant quietly asks supporters to stay home, election outcomes could change dramatically.
Now multiply that situation across many states.
The APC could face serious losses in governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections.
Economic Hardship Already Complicates APC’s 2027 Chances
The APC already faces economic dissatisfaction nationwide.
Fuel prices continue rising. Food inflation hurts households daily. Meanwhile, the naira’s struggles remain visible across markets and businesses.
Voters connect these hardships directly to government performance.
Therefore, the APC cannot afford unnecessary internal conflicts before 2027.
Instead of expanding support, the party risks alienating loyal members through poorly managed consensus arrangements.
That strategy could weaken grassroots mobilisation significantly.
APC Needs Transparent Primaries Immediately
The APC leadership must rethink its approach urgently.
First, the party should conduct transparent and verifiable primaries wherever multiple aspirants exist. Party members deserve opportunities to choose candidates democratically.
Second, where consensus becomes necessary, negotiations must remain voluntary and transparent.
Leaders should clearly explain agreements, future appointments and political accommodations for aspirants who step down. Nobody should sacrifice ambitions based on vague promises.
Third, outgoing governors must remember an important political reality.
Their influence declines sharply after leaving office. Their lasting reputation depends largely on whether they hand over united or divided party structures.
A fractured party weakens both the governor and the chosen successor.
Internal Democracy Determines Electoral Credibility
Internal democracy is not a luxury for political parties. It is essential for credibility.
When party members believe their votes do not matter internally, public trust also declines. Nigerians expect democratic behaviour from parties seeking national leadership.
The APC still has time to correct course before 2027.
However, forcing candidates on unwilling party structures may create deeper crises later. Consensus should unite party members, not silence them.
Otherwise, today’s frustrated aspirants may become tomorrow’s silent destroyers.
