Tension Begins As APC Disqualifies Aspirants

Tension Begins As APC Disqualifies Aspirants

Fresh tension has spread across the All Progressives Congress after more than 150 aspirants were reportedly screened out ahead of the 2027 primaries.

Complaints, protests and threats of court action have emerged in states including Kano, Rivers, Taraba, Jigawa and Kaduna as many party members accused leaders of favouring preferred candidates.

The crisis followed the party’s screening exercise meant to reduce the number of aspirants before the primaries.

In several states, aggrieved politicians claimed the process lacked fairness, while others accused party leaders of secretly imposing consensus candidates without proper consultation.

In Kano, protests followed the endorsement of former governor Ibrahim Shekarau after some aspirants stepped down.

In Jigawa, former Speaker Isah Idris dumped the APC after being disqualified.

Rivers also witnessed outrage after 65 aspirants failed to scale through the screening process, with many saying they only learnt of their fate online.

Party leaders are now battling to stop deeper divisions, possible defections and anti-party activities before the 2027 elections.

Political observers warned that the growing disagreements over consensus arrangements and disqualifications could weaken unity within the ruling party if not quickly resolved.