The race toward the 2027 general elections has officially entered a dramatic new phase after the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted governorship primaries across several states on Thursday.
But beyond the celebration of victories and consensus endorsements, the primaries exposed the raw political reality inside Nigeria’s ruling party, power still belongs largely to incumbents, political structures and elite negotiations.
While many governors cruised to victory without resistance, other states witnessed allegations of manipulation, protests and deepening internal divisions.
For many observers, the APC primaries were not just about candidates.
They were about control.
Governors Secure APC Tickets Without Resistance
Several first-term governors easily secured tickets to seek re-election under the APC platform.
Most emerged unopposed, further proving the enormous influence sitting governors wield within party structures.
Those who clinched return tickets include Dauda Lawal in Zamfara, Umaru Bago in Niger, Dikko Radda in Katsina, Nasir Idris in Kebbi and Ahmad Aliyu in Sokoto.
Others who also secured APC tickets include Sheriff Oborevwori in Delta, Uba Sani in Kaduna, Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom and Umar Namadi in Jigawa.
Their victories may appear smooth on the surface.
But critics argue that the lack of serious competition reflects how difficult it has become to challenge powerful incumbents inside major political parties.
Consensus Candidates Emerge In Key States
Beyond governors seeking second terms, several influential politicians also emerged through consensus arrangements.
In Lagos State, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat secured the party’s backing.
In Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola emerged as the APC consensus candidate.
Mustapha Gubio also emerged in Borno State, while Kingsley Chinda became the consensus candidate in Rivers State.
However, the Rivers situation attracted particular attention after several major political figures reportedly stepped aside.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and Dakorinama George-Kelly all withdrew from the race, leaving Chinda as the sole aspirant.
For supporters, consensus arrangements help reduce internal conflict.
But for critics, they represent a growing culture of political imposition disguised as party unity.
APC Faces Turbulence In Oyo, Kwara And Bauchi
Despite attempts to project unity, the primaries were far from peaceful in several states.
In Oyo State, former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu openly rejected the process.
He accused party officials of intimidation, manipulation and falsification of results in parts of the state.
His protest immediately exposed deep cracks within the party structure.
In Kwara State, confusion forced the APC national headquarters to halt the governorship primary midway through the exercise.
The process was later postponed until Friday.
Bauchi State also witnessed tension after party members raised concerns over alleged attempts to impose a preferred governorship candidate.
As disagreements intensified, the APC leadership also postponed the Bauchi governorship primary.
Taraba Primary Turns Into Political Showdown
In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas reportedly faced a serious challenge from former Minister of Transportation Mu’azu Sambo.
Sambo reportedly insisted that the primary process must remain transparent and credible.
The contest highlighted growing frustrations among some party members who believe internal democracy is gradually disappearing inside major political parties.
APC Defends Postponements And Delays
Following the confusion in several states, the APC leadership defended its decision to postpone some exercises.
The party also approved the rescheduling of State House of Assembly primaries for Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies in Zamfara State until Sunday, May 24, 2026.
You May Like: “Leave My DMs Alone If I’m gone” — Etinosa Idemudia
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the postponements were necessary to ensure peaceful and credible primaries.
According to him, the decisions followed consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The Bigger Political Question Nigerians Are Asking
The APC primaries may have produced candidates.
But they also revealed uncomfortable truths about Nigeria’s political culture.
Incumbent governors remain incredibly powerful.
Consensus politics continues replacing open competition.
And party structures still appear heavily influenced by elite interests.
For many Nigerians, the events of Thursday raised a troubling question: Are political parties truly allowing democracy to thrive internally, or are elections increasingly being decided long before voters ever reach the ballot box?
As the road to 2027 unfolds, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: The fiercest political battles in Nigeria may not happen during the general elections themselves.
They may happen quietly inside party rooms long before the public ever gets to vote.
