APC faces internal storm over National Assembly list ahead of 2027

A significant internal conflict is brewing within Nigeria's All Progressives Congress (APC) following the submission of a revised list of National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Aggrieved aspirants are taking legal action, while party stakeholders are calling for fresh representation, raising concerns about the party's internal democracy and its implications for the 2027 general elections.

Former Senator Ayo Arise has initiated a lawsuit to challenge the outcome of the APC's senatorial primary in his district. Arise asserts that he lawfully won the exercise and was surprised by his subsequent omission from the party's official list. He emphasizes that his legal action is not driven by personal ambition but by a commitment to ensuring that political parties adhere to their own rules and uphold democratic principles. Arise believes the court will determine whether the party's guidelines were followed and expressed confidence in regaining his ticket due to his substantial victory.

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I went ahead and filed my case in court because I knew what was coming. That is why I was not surprised at the outcome. This is not about me; it is about ensuring that we have a system that works for everybody.

In Ondo State, stakeholders within the Okeigbo, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area are demanding a new representative for the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. They cite years of poor representation and a lack of development, including the deteriorating Okeigbo-Ifetedo Bridge. Fayemisi Tosin, an APC chieftain representing the stakeholders, stated that constituents are dissatisfied with the incumbent lawmaker's failure to deliver the anticipated dividends of democracy, such as federal projects and improved infrastructure.

The APC has responded to the growing dissent by characterizing the situation as an internal process that is being managed internally. The party acknowledges the concerns raised by aspirants and stakeholders, indicating that efforts are underway to address the simmering anger within the party's ranks ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.

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Many constituents who had high expectations when the incumbent lawmaker assumed office now believe the anticipated dividends of democracy have not been delivered, citing poor infrastructure, limited federal presence, youth unemployment and the absence of impactful constituency projects, including the deteriorating Okeigbo-Ifetedo Bridge linking Ondo and Osun states.