By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The 2026 primary elections of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress have triggered widespread controversy across the country. The exercise took place last week in several states ahead of the 2027 general elections. Aspirants, lawmakers, and party stakeholders accused the party leadership of imposing candidates, manipulating delegate lists, and announcing questionable results. The crisis has affected states including Lagos, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and others. Many aggrieved members now fear the party’s internal divisions could weaken its electoral strength in 2027.
APC Primaries Expose Deep Internal Divisions
The week-long primary exercise was expected to strengthen party unity before the next general election. Instead, it exposed serious cracks within the party structure.
Several aspirants rejected the outcomes immediately after the polls. They alleged ghost elections, inflated figures, parallel results, and widespread irregularities.
Moreover, more than 50 National Assembly members lost their tickets during the exercise. The development signaled a major political shift inside the ruling party.
Among those affected were serving senators and ranking lawmakers. Many party members questioned how such experienced politicians lost under controversial circumstances.
Electoral Act 2026 Limits Political Options
The Electoral Act 2026 has worsened the crisis inside the party.
Unlike previous election cycles, aggrieved aspirants can no longer defect after party primaries. The law now prevents candidates from switching parties once the process ends.
As a result, frustrated members remain trapped within the system they accuse of being manipulated. Consequently, internal tensions continue to grow across many state chapters.
Political observers believe this restriction could fuel anti-party activities during the 2027 campaigns.
Lagos APC Crisis Raises Fresh Concerns
The situation became especially tense in Lagos State, widely regarded as the political stronghold of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Several aspirants protested the House of Representatives and State Assembly primaries. They accused party leaders of manipulating delegate lists and imposing loyal candidates.
Furthermore, reports of violence and disruptions emerged from constituencies in Kosofe, Ikeja, and other areas.
Aggrieved party members later petitioned President Tinubu. They warned that unresolved disputes could destabilize the party before the 2027 elections.
Ogun APC Delays Results Over Petitions
In Ogun State, the party leadership suspended the release of some results.
The primary election committee explained that it needed time to review petitions submitted by aspirants. Several contestants had raised concerns over alleged irregularities in certain constituencies.
The delay highlighted the growing distrust surrounding the exercise.
Bauchi Members Resign Over Alleged Irregularities
The crisis deepened further in Bauchi State.
Many party members alleged that no direct primaries took place in several areas. They claimed party officials allocated votes and announced predetermined results.
Consequently, some prominent chieftains resigned from the party in protest.
Their departure added to concerns about the APC’s internal stability ahead of the national elections.
Controversial Vote Figures Spark Doubts
Some of the figures released during the primaries also attracted criticism.
In one South-East governorship primary, a sitting governor reportedly secured more than 230,000 votes. Meanwhile, a former governor received slightly above 1,000 votes.
Similarly, a North-Central senatorial contest produced unusually wide margins.
Critics argued that such numbers damaged the credibility of the exercise.
APC Faces Tough Questions Before 2027
The APC remains Nigeria’s dominant political force. The party currently controls the presidency, most state governments, and the National Assembly.
However, the primaries have raised serious questions about internal democracy within the ruling party.
Many Nigerians now wonder whether a party struggling with transparency internally can govern the country fairly.
Party stakeholders had earlier warned against candidate imposition and lack of transparency. Nevertheless, those warnings received little attention before the primaries began.
Now, the APC faces mounting pressure to reconcile aggrieved members before campaigns officially commence.
Political analysts believe unresolved grievances could threaten party cohesion during the 2027 elections.
