The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with significant internal friction as its nationwide screening of aspirants for the 2027 general elections triggers a wave of petitions, protests, and legal challenges. Investigations reveal a party deeply divided over the use of consensus arrangements and the disqualification of numerous candidates across several states.

From the North to the South, aggrieved aspirants in states including Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Plateau are mobilizing to challenge the outcomes of the screening exercises, citing procedural irregularities and the "imposition" of candidates by party leadership.

Flashpoints of Contention

Northern Resistance: Taraba, Kano, and Jigawa

In Taraba State, the endorsement of incumbent Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau (Taraba North) has sparked a fierce backlash. Youth groups and local stakeholders have denounced his tenure as a "failure," warning that his imposition could alienate the electorate.

In Kano State, the disqualification of 20 high-profile aspirants—including former Head of Service Usman Bala and former lawmaker Sha’aban Sharada—has heightened tensions. While six aspirants reportedly stepped down for former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau in a "peace deal," grassroots groups have labeled the move a sacrifice of loyalty for political expediency.

The crisis in Jigawa State has already led to high-profile exits. Former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Isah Idris, resigned from the APC and defected to the PDP, lamenting the party’s departure from its founding democratic principles.

Southern Discord: Rivers, Anambra, and Ebonyi

The situation in Rivers State is particularly acute, where a screening appeal panel led by Dr. Abdul Mahmud confirmed that 65 out of 98 aspirants were disqualified. Mahmud noted that many aspirants only learned of their disqualification via social media, leading to calls for more transparent communication.

In Anambra State, the party has taken a hardline stance, expelling 30 members for instituting legal actions against the party. State Publicity Secretary Valentine Iyiegbu maintained that the only path to reconciliation is the immediate withdrawal of all court cases.

Meanwhile, in Ebonyi State, Chief Christian Nwali, a close ally of Works Minister David Umahi, resigned from the party after losing out in a consensus arrangement for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial seat.

Allegations of "Commando Tactics"

In Kogi State, party chieftain Chief Femi Olugbemi accused the state leadership of abandoning democratic norms in favor of a "Commando arrangement," alleging that nomination forms were selectively distributed to preferred candidates.

Similarly, in Kaduna State, despite successful consensus for House of Assembly seats, a brewing storm surrounds the National Assembly slots. Activists and political heavyweights like Yusuf Zailani and Yarima Shettima have vociferously rejected the reported favoring of activist Shehu Sani for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

The State of Play: By the Numbers

Reconciliation or Fragmentation?

While states like Sokoto and Kebbi reported relatively calm exercises, political analysts warn that the widespread discontent could lead to mass defections and "anti-party activities" during the 2027 polls.

The APC national leadership remains under pressure to balance the efficiency of consensus candidacies with the necessity of internal democracy. As appeal committees continue their sittings—most notably in Rivers and Plateau—the party’s ability to manage these grievances will determine its cohesion heading into the primary elections.

"You cannot push out key mobilisers and expect them to work for the same people that sidelined them," warned a party insider in Jigawa, echoing a sentiment currently felt across the federation.