Fresh cracks have continued to widen within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress following a wave of protests, accusations and public outrage trailing the party’s recent primaries across different states. What was expected to be an internal democratic process has instead exposed deep divisions, allegations of manipulation and growing distrust among party members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Several prominent politicians openly rejected the outcomes of the primaries, accusing powerful interests within the party of imposing candidates, altering delegate lists and compromising the credibility of the process.
Among the notable figures reportedly dissatisfied with the conduct of the primaries is Desmond Elliot, who was linked to complaints surrounding the Lagos State APC primary arrangements. Some party stakeholders in Surulere alleged that the process lacked transparency and that certain aspirants enjoyed unfair advantages backed by influential political blocs within the state structure.
Ned Nwoko also emerged among politicians whose political camp raised concerns over internal party dealings and alleged manipulation in Delta State political calculations. Supporters of the senator accused party leaders of sidelining genuine grassroots consultations while favoring predetermined interests.
In Kano State, supporters of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and other APC factions reportedly clashed verbally over delegate control and candidate endorsements, exposing ongoing power struggles within the state chapter of the party.
In Rivers State, loyalists of former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi expressed grievances over what they described as systematic exclusion from strategic party decisions, accusing rival camps of hijacking the process.
In Ogun State, supporters of Senator Ibikunle Amosun reportedly questioned certain consensus arrangements, claiming some aspirants were pressured to step down despite resistance from their supporters.
Similar complaints surfaced in Zamfara, Imo, Kogi and Cross River states, where aggrieved aspirants alleged missing delegates’ names, sudden venue changes, intimidation and vote-buying. In some locations, violence nearly broke out as angry supporters accused party officials of announcing winners before accreditation and voting were concluded.
Political observers say the growing controversies have once again raised concerns about the APC’s commitment to internal democracy. Critics argue that if a ruling party struggles to conduct transparent primaries among its own members, Nigerians may question its readiness to guarantee fairness and credibility in the larger 2027 national elections.
Civil society groups and opposition voices have also seized on the controversy, describing the primaries as another sign of weakening democratic culture within the political system. Some analysts warn that unresolved grievances could lead to defections, court battles and voter apathy as the country gradually moves toward another crucial election cycle.
Despite the mounting criticism, APC national leadership has continued to defend the process, insisting that appeal mechanisms remain open for dissatisfied aspirants. However, the public disagreements and visible cracks within the party have already intensified debate over transparency, accountability and political integrity within Nigeria’s ruling establishment.
