President Bola Tinubu
A fierce power tussle is quietly unfolding within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the release of the party’s National Assembly candidates list for the 2027 elections.
Following the development, a group has cautioned President Bola Tinubu not to impose National Assembly members who had been rejected by APC members in Ondo State.
Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called for reconciliation and unity among APC members in the state, urging party faithful to place collective interest above personal ambitions.
Tinubu is said to have constituted a high-level committee comprising the APC National Chairman, the Chief of Staff, the Special Adviser on Political Affairs and other key political strategists to engage governors and protect the interests of serving lawmakers, who backed the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the nomination process is increasingly being shaped by governors, who largely control congresses and party structures at the state level.
Allegations of manipulated processes have intensified concerns that many governors have effectively seized control of the exercise.
Intense lobbying is already underway between governors and the APC National Working Committee (NWC), raising fresh questions over who truly holds the final authority.
The uncertainty is reflected in conflicting directives and counter-directives over whether the APC NWC or state party structures have the power to declare winners.
For now, the situation remains unresolved, with party members and political observers anxiously awaiting clarity.
Handing down the warning yesterday at a press conference in Akure,Transparency and Intelligence Watch, said all incumbent members of the National Assembly seeking return tickets on the platform of the party, who failed at the direct primaries, should not be given tickets through the back door.
Addressing journalists, the group’s President, Joel Adelakin, and Secretary, Margaret Ikechukwu, warned that any attempt to impose the affected lawmakers, reportedly numbering 54, would amount to subverting the democratic will of party members who participated in the exercise across the country.
Many serving lawmakers, including some who recently defected to the APC, were unable to secure return tickets during the primaries conducted last month.
Adelakin described those allegedly advising the President to reverse the results of the primaries as “enemies of democracy”, warning that such a move could jeopardise Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
The group warned that imposing such aspirants could trigger voter backlash against the APC in the affected states.
It also raised concerns about Ogun State, alleging that political manoeuvres had displaced preferred candidates, a development it said could provoke electoral resistance from party supporters. In Ondo State, the group urged the President to respect the outcome of the primaries, particularly those that produced candidates such as Dr Taiwo Fasoranti and others, insisting that the integrity of the process must be preserved.
Speaking at a post-primary stakeholders’ meeting yesterday at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, Owerri, Uzodimma appealed to aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and remain committed to the party, stressing that every contest must produce winners and losers.
“There is no way to build consensus without sacrifice. Politics is about service to the people, not personal interests,” Uzodimma said.
He congratulated newly elected party officials and candidates, describing the congresses and primaries as successful exercises that have further strengthened the APC ahead of future elections.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to discipline, equity, fair play and inclusive economic growth, while highlighting achievements recorded under his government.
The Guardian
