By Azi Aware, Jos
Barely a week after the commencement of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, governorship and presidential elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, the process has already become a storm of controversies, protests and allegations of manipulation across the country.
What was expected to be a demonstration of internal democracy within Africa’s largest ruling party has instead exposed deep cracks within the APC, with many aspirants accusing party leaders of imposing candidates against the wishes of members.
From Plateau to Rivers, Benue to Bauchi and Gombe, the primaries have generated tension, petitions and withdrawals, leaving political observers questioning whether the APC can successfully navigate the turbulent road to 2027.
In Plateau State, discontent erupted openly as no fewer than six aggrieved aspirants stormed the APC state secretariat in Jos to submit petitions challenging the outcome of the primaries.
Among those protesting was Senator Diket Plang, who expressed dissatisfaction over the process while recounting his long political journey.
“I am a former councillor, former local government chairman, commissioner, two-time adviser to governors and currently a serving senator at the 10th Assembly. I was elected by the people, not a senator that won in court,” he declared.
Though he did not mention names directly, political observers interpreted his remarks as a veiled reference to Senator Simon Lalong, who emerged victorious in his primary after previously benefiting from a court ruling that nullified the election of PDP Senator Napoleon Bali over issues relating to party structure.
Other aggrieved aspirants who submitted petitions included Ambassador Chris Giwa, Barrister C.J. Dakkas, Hon. Ephraim Usman, Gyang Zi (SAN), and former House of Representatives member Hon. Komsol Longap.
One of the strongest petitions came from senior lawyer Gyang Zi (SAN), who threatened legal action against the party over his temporary disqualification from the race.
In a petition addressed to the APC National Chairman, Gyang described the publication of his name among disqualified aspirants as defamatory and damaging to both his reputation and supporters.
He demanded ₦10 billion in damages for what he termed “defamation of character and destabilisation” of his political base.
The controversy deepened after reports emerged that 48 aspirants contesting National Assembly positions were initially disqualified before the party later reversed itself and cleared a few, including Gyang Zi, Ben Bruce, Napoleon Bali and Ephraim Usman.
For many party faithful, the confusion reflected a lack of transparency and coordination within the APC leadership structure.
In Benue State, the APC primaries have further exposed the lingering power tussle between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The rivalry between both camps has continued to generate accusations and counter-accusations, with supporters on either side alleging manipulation of delegates and attempts to hijack the party structure.
Political analysts warn that the unresolved feud could weaken the party ahead of the general elections if not urgently managed.
Perhaps nowhere has the APC crisis appeared more dramatic than in Rivers State.
The state primaries have been heavily influenced by the political dominance of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, alongside several loyalists of Wike, reportedly secured victories in the primaries for National Assembly seats.
In contrast, politicians perceived to be loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara were allegedly denied clearance to contest.
The political drama intensified when Governor Fubara announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary election.
In a statement personally signed by him, the governor described the decision as painful but necessary in the collective interest of the state and party.
“Leadership demands sacrifice, and personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective interest of the people,” he stated.
Following his withdrawal, other governorship aspirants also stepped down, paving the way for the emergence of Hon. Kingsley Chinda, the current Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and a known ally of Wike, as the sole aspirant.
The development has fueled speculations that the governorship race in Rivers may have been predetermined long before delegates arrived at the venue.
The atmosphere in Bauchi State and Gombe State has not been any calmer.
Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi South and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, both withdrew from their governorship contests, citing irregularities and unfair practices in the process.
Their exits added to growing concerns that the APC primaries may be alienating key stakeholders and influential political figures across the federation.
Across several states, leaked documents and internal memos have continued to circulate, suggesting that some candidates had allegedly been endorsed or adopted by influential government officials and party power brokers even before the primaries commenced.
These allegations have strengthened claims that the exercise was merely ceremonial in some states, with outcomes allegedly decided beforehand.
For many observers, the situation raises critical questions about the future of internal democracy within the ruling party.
Political analysts insist that transparent primaries remain the bedrock of democratic governance and political stability.
The National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has assured party members that mechanisms have been put in place to address grievances arising from the primaries.
However, many believe the real challenge lies not in issuing assurances but in rebuilding trust among aggrieved members.
The fear within the party is that unresolved disputes could trigger the kind of internal implosion that weakened the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2015 elections.
Although the 2026 Electoral Act may limit mass defections, political strategists warn that dissatisfied party members could still work against the APC from within.
As the saying goes, “the enemy within is often more dangerous than the enemy outside.”
While the APC battles internal turmoil, opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), APM and other emerging political movements are quietly positioning themselves to capitalize on the ruling party’s divisions.
With off-cycle governorship elections approaching in Ekiti State and Osun State, political watchers believe the APC must urgently reconcile its factions or risk entering the 2027 general elections deeply fractured.
The APC’s journey toward 2027 increasingly resembles a voyage through uncertain waters.
What should have been a routine democratic exercise has instead become a test of the party’s unity, leadership and ability to manage competing interests.
For now, all eyes remain fixed on the ruling party as Nigerians watch to see whether it can survive the mounting storms threatening to destabilize its political structure.
History has repeatedly shown that a divided house rarely stands for long.
Whether the APC can overcome its internal wrangling and retain power in 2027 remains uncertain.
Time, as always, will tell.
