Tension Rises in APC, PDP And LP as Anambra ,Osun And Ekiti State Prepare for Governorship Polls

As the 2025 and 2026 governorship elections approach in Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti states, major political parties are battling internal crises and unclear alliances, leaving their chances at the polls uncertain.

The growing tension is shaping new strategies, possible coalitions, and political shifts as parties scramble to position themselves ahead of the races.

In Anambra, all 16 political parties have completed their primaries ahead of the November 8 election. But complaints have trailed the process, particularly from the camp of APC’s Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, whose emergence is being questioned. While the APC and PDP face internal challenges, the Labour Party is counting on the popularity of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to attract votes, even as the party struggles with internal leadership crises. Governor Charles Soludo of APGA is seeking a second term and is seen as a front-runner, with support from both President Tinubu and influential business leaders in the state. Political observers believe the contest may come down to a battle between Soludo and Labour’s George Muoghalu, narrowing the race despite the wider field of candidates.

In Osun, political drama is playing out within the APC where several aspirants are jostling for the party’s ticket. Figures such as Ajibola Basiru, Iyiola Omisore, Akin Ogunbiyi, Dotun Babayemi, and others have thrown their hats into the ring. A debate over which senatorial zone should produce the APC candidate has already led to protests, particularly from Osun West stakeholders who argue the region has been overlooked. Further complicating matters are rumours of a preferred candidate and internal disputes over zoning. The reported overtures to bring incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke from PDP into APC have added another layer of tension, with some APC loyalists vowing to resist such a move. Adeleke, however, has secured backing from his party as its sole candidate and insists he will remain with the PDP.

Old rivalries are also reigniting in Osun. Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s formation of a political bloc to oppose President Tinubu in the 2027 general election has strained his relationship with Tinubu’s ally, former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. The Aregbesola camp was partly credited with helping the PDP secure victory in 2022, a move that continues to shape alliances and deepen party divisions ahead of the 2026 election.

In Ekiti, preparations for the June 2026 governorship election are underway. Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC is seeking a second term and has received public endorsements from hundreds of groups and political figures across the state. Though no challenger within the APC has officially emerged, party insiders expect that to change soon. Meanwhile, former Governor Kayode Fayemi’s absence from recent APC rallies has raised questions about his support, despite public claims of unity by the party leadership.

The Action Democratic Congress (ADC) is also gaining ground in Ekiti, with former ambassador and ex-SSG, Dare Bejide, declaring his intention to run. ADC leaders say their party is welcoming new members and positioning credible candidates to challenge the APC’s grip on power in the state.

As each state edges closer to its election date, the political climate remains tense. Internal rifts, shifting loyalties, and high-stakes calculations are redefining the game for the APC, PDP, and LP. The outcome of these elections may reshape the power structure in these states and influence the national outlook in the years to come.