Tensions have escalated across several Nigerian states as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) commences its primary elections today, Friday, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The brewing internal unrest has prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top party stakeholders to launch emergency consultations to avert a full-blown crisis within the party.

The primaries, which begin with House of Representatives aspirants and are scheduled to culminate in the presidential primary on May 25, 2026, are being conducted under the Electoral Act 2026. This updated legislation has reduced the statutory election notice period from 360 to 300 days, potentially moving the general elections to as early as January 2027.

Tinubu Urges Sportsmanship and Unity

In a personal statement released Thursday, President Tinubu appealed for calm, describing the primaries as a "referendum on the APC’s unity" rather than a mere selection process. He cautioned aspirants against the "do-or-die" political culture of the past, stressing that politics must not be a zero-sum game.

"Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them," the President stated. "I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship... The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat."

Tinubu also directed security agencies to remain strictly professional and warned them against acting as "interlopers" in the democratic process. Furthermore, he advocated for the inclusion of women and youth, urging party leaders to give these demographics special consideration.

Consensus Talks Stalls in Key States

While some APC chapters have successfully negotiated consensus candidates, several states have descended into deadlock and occasional violence.

High-Tension Zones:

• Kano: Negotiations for the 24 federal constituency seats remained deadlocked late into Thursday night. While the state leadership prefers consensus, direct primaries are expected in hotbeds like the Kumbotso Federal Constituency.

• Taraba: Efforts to achieve consensus collapsed in several strategic areas, including Wukari and Takum. Aspirants reportedly rejected appeals to step down, citing significant financial investments in their campaigns and a desire for a competitive process.

• Oyo: The party secretariat in Ibadan was reportedly attacked by hoodlums during a protest by members alleging the "imposition" of candidates and the influence of money politics.

• Edo: Governor Monday Okpebholo’s attempt to install preferred candidates met resistance in several constituencies, including Oredo and Owan, where long-standing "zoning" agreements were allegedly breached.

Progress in the North:

In contrast, Sokoto and Borno states have reported smoother transitions. Borno Governor Babagana Zulum successfully presented Mustapha Gubio as the consensus governorship candidate following the withdrawal of Senator Kakashehu Lawan. Zulum has promised that aspirants who voluntarily withdraw will be considered for future federal and state appointments.

High-Stakes Rivalries and Allegations

In Abia State, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu held a joint stakeholders' meeting to signal a united front. The Deputy Speaker dismissed rumors of "automatic tickets," insisting on a transparent process for the nearly 100 aspirants who purchased forms in the state.

Meanwhile, a political firestorm has erupted in Lagos State. A viral video features the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alleging that the ambition of lawmaker Desmond Elliot almost cost him his job. Gbajabiamila claimed that President Tinubu questioned him over Elliot's alleged involvement in a plot to impeach the Lagos State Speaker, Mudasiru Obasa. Gbajabiamila further accused Elliot of attempting to introduce religious divisions into Surulere politics, confirming his support for Elliot's rival, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare.

Looking Ahead

The APC leadership has established redress committees to manage the expected fallout from today's exercises. As the party enters its fourth election cycle, the success of these primaries will serve as a critical test of President Tinubu's ability to maintain a cohesive coalition ahead of the 2027 polls.