Primary elections: APC consensus push faces resistance in states

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is experiencing significant internal friction as its strategy of using consensus arrangements for candidate selection ahead of the 2027 general elections faces growing resistance across various states. While the party leadership, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, is pushing for President Bola Tinubu's re-election and advocating for continuity, a number of state chapters are pushing back, demanding more competitive primaries.

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On behalf of our great party, I urge all Nigerians, irrespective of differences in political affiliations, religious persuasions, private or social background, to support this nomination and, by the special grace of God, the candidacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

In states like Katsina, Borno, and Jigawa, the consensus option is being employed with the aim of mitigating intra-party conflicts and promoting unity. However, this approach is not universally accepted. In contrast, states such as Ondo, Benue, and Oyo are gearing up for open contests, indicating a divergence in how party stakeholders are approaching candidate selection. Furthermore, states like Yobe, Ogun, Sokoto, and Plateau are witnessing considerable pushback against consensus, with aspirants insisting on transparent and competitive processes to determine who will represent the party.

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Our National Executive Committee, which is the second-highest decision-making organ of the party, has already endorsed Mr President and we stand firmly by that decision.

Amidst these internal dynamics, Vice President Shettima formally submitted President Tinubu's expression of interest and nomination forms to the APC national leadership in Abuja. He appealed to all Nigerians, regardless of their affiliations, to support Tinubu's 2027 bid, framing it as crucial for sustaining ongoing reforms and national development. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, echoed this sentiment, stating that the party's National Working Committee has unanimously endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, citing his "remarkable performance" and the positive impact of his administration's reforms on states and local governments.

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The governors have seen the positive impact of these reforms. Today, there is more money accruing to states and local governments.

The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, confirmed that the party has adopted a direct primary mode for its presidential candidate, allowing any aspirant to contest against President Tinubu. This suggests a potential for a more open contest at the presidential level, even as consensus arrangements cause friction at the state level. The push for consensus in some areas, contrasted with demands for open primaries in others, highlights the complex political maneuvering and competing interests within the APC as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.

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The party has adopted direct primary for the emergence of its presidential candidate. Whoever is willing to contest against President Tinubu can do so.