The All Progressives Congress (APC) has long positioned itself as a beacon of internal democracy, but its senatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 elections tell a different story.
From Delta to Kogi, Kebbi to Plateau, the exercise was marred by allegations of manipulation, parallel congresses, vote-buying, and the heavy-handed influence of governors and party leaders. The controversy isn’t about who won or lost it’s about whether the contests actually happened at all.
When Governors Call the Shots
Seven serving governors secured senatorial tickets, while at least 12 former governors also emerged as candidates. Incumbent senators seeking re-election found themselves displaced by politically stronger figures backed by state power structures.
In Delta, Senator Ned Nwoko rejected the declaration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the candidate, insisting the announced results didn’t reflect what happened across the 98 wards. His legal team alleged manipulation, intimidation, and pre-written results.
In Ogun, former Governor Gbenga Daniel withdrew shortly before Governor Dapo Abiodun emerged as consensus candidate a pattern critics say reflects pressure rather than genuine consensus.
The Law vs. Reality
Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2026 requires written consent from all aspirants for consensus candidacy. If consent isn’t secured, parties must conduct direct primaries. Yet across multiple states, aspirants denied withdrawing, alleged no valid ratification congress was held, or claimed parallel exercises produced competing results.
These aren’t just party breaches they’re potential statutory violations that could expose nominations to legal scrutiny.
A Warning for 2027
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the political reality, telling senators the leadership was working to ensure “very few disappointments” among affected lawmakers.
But the damage may already be done. When party members lose faith in internal mechanisms, litigation, defections, and anti-party activities follow.
The APC controls both the presidency and the National Assembly. Its internal crises don’t just affect party members they shape Nigeria’s democratic culture.
If the ruling party can’t conduct transparent internal elections among its own members, why should Nigerians trust the wider electoral process?
The controversies of these primaries may be a preview of even bigger disputes in 2027.
