A fresh political storm is gathering within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as tensions escalate between powerful governors and federal lawmakers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the heart of the dispute is a fierce battle over party tickets, with many serving senators and House of Representatives members facing growing threats from second-term governors seeking to secure National Assembly seats for themselves.
Senate Leadership Raises Alarm
Concerned by the unfolding situation, the leadership of the Senate recently held a crucial meeting with President Bola Tinubu. The move followed complaints from lawmakers who fear being pushed out of the political space in their respective states.
Sources reveal that several senators, already locked in local power struggles, are seeking presidential intervention to safeguard their political futures. Their argument is simple: an alleged prior understanding within the party guaranteed return tickets for incumbent lawmakers — an arrangement they now believe is being ignored.
Governors Assert Control
On the other side of the divide, governors under the Progressives Governors Forum appear determined to tighten their grip on party structures in their states.
Their influence is already being felt. In Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel is reportedly struggling to retain political relevance as Governor Dapo Abiodun consolidates support among party stakeholders.
A similar political showdown is unfolding in Kwara State, where Senator Saliu Mustapha is said to be in a fierce contest with Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who is reportedly eyeing both the governorship succession and a Senate seat.
In Ondo State, insiders describe a “cold war” between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and federal lawmakers, with indications that some may be denied return tickets.
Party Leadership Holds Its Ground
Amid the growing unrest, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has maintained a firm stance: there will be no automatic tickets for any aspirant, regardless of incumbency.
This position, while reinforcing internal democracy, has further heightened anxiety among lawmakers who had hoped for a smoother path to re-election.
Primaries Timeline Set
According to the party’s revised timetable, primaries for National Assembly seats are scheduled as follows:
- House of Representatives: May 15
- Senate: May 18
- Governorship: May 21
With these dates fast approaching, pressure is mounting on party leaders to resolve the internal rift before it spirals into a full-blown crisis.
Tinubu Steps In
In a bid to calm tensions, President Tinubu also convened a closed-door meeting with APC governors, including Hope Uzodimma, Inuwa Yahaya, Babagana Zulum, and Hyacinth Alia, among others.
While details of the meeting remain undisclosed, it is widely seen as an attempt to prevent internal divisions from weakening the party ahead of a crucial election cycle.
A Party at a Crossroads
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the battle between governors and lawmakers underscores a deeper struggle for control within the party. Whether the leadership can strike a balance or the crisis deepens may ultimately shape the party’s fortunes in 2027.
Comments