Ahead of Thursday\u2019s governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress, resistance to consensus arrangements has intensified in at least 10 states, as several aspirants rejected pressure to step down and insisted on testing their popularity at the polls.\n<\/p>\n
The growing pushback comes despite efforts by party leaders and governors in many states to streamline the primaries through endorsements, negotiations, and consensus agreements aimed at avoiding divisive contests ahead of the 2027 general elections.\n<\/p>\n
Investigations by The PUNCH showed that while incumbent governors in several APC-controlled states have successfully secured consensus backing for second-term tickets, succession battles in states such as Kwara, Gombe, Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Lagos, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Yobe remain fiercely contested.\n<\/p>\n
The APC had fixed the cost of its governorship expression of interest form at N10m and nomination form at N40m. Findings indicated that the ruling party generated about N5.05bn from the sale of forms to 101 governorship aspirants nationwide.<\/p>\n
The party is scheduled to conduct governorship primaries in 28 states on Thursday, May 21, with direct primaries to be adopted in states where consensus arrangements fail. Appeals arising from the exercises are expected to be heard on May 24.\n<\/p>\n
Consensus gains ground\n<\/p>\n
Despite growing internal resistance in some chapters, no fewer than 11 governors and sole aspirants have already secured overwhelming backing from party structures.<\/p>\n
Among those who emerged as consensus candidates are Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Ogbonna Nwifuru (Ebonyi).\n<\/p>\n
Party leaders in those states described the arrangements as strategic moves to preserve internal stability and avoid unnecessary factional crises.\n<\/p>\n
In Sokoto, a party stalwart, Abubakar Umar, said members had unanimously resolved to back Governor Ahmed Aliyu for a second term.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t have any other contestant apart from Governor Ahmed Aliyu. As was the case in the previous primaries, what remains is simply the ratification of his candidacy for another term,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
Similarly, a Kebbi APC chieftain, Abdullahi Zuru, confirmed that Governor Nasir Idris had secured the backing of party stakeholders across the state.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe party has agreed to present only the governor as its candidate. There is no opposition to his second-term ambition within the party,\u201d he stated.\n<\/p>\n
In Jigawa, the state APC chairman, MK Garba, said the party had settled for Governor Umar Namadi as its sole governorship aspirant.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t have any other contestant apart from Governor Umar Namadi. The process will simply ratify the consensus already reached by party leaders and members,\u201d he explained.\n<\/p>\n
Speaking on Tuesday in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, Garba said the party remains united in its support for the governor.\n<\/p>\n
He explained that the process in Jigawa will mirror previous primaries where consensus was used to avoid rancour.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cAs was the case in the other primaries we held before now, we will only have to confirm the ratification of his candidacy for a second term,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
Kwara succession battle\n<\/p>\n
However, consensus efforts have suffered major setbacks in Kwara State, where 15 aspirants are preparing to confront Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq\u2019s preferred candidate, Amb Yahaya Seriki.\n<\/p>\n
The governor had on Tuesday publicly endorsed Seriki as his preferred successor after what he described as \u201cextensive consultations\u201d with party leaders and stakeholders.<\/p>\n
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, AbdulRazaq said Seriki possessed the capacity and political reach required to sustain the administration\u2019s achievements.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing extensive consultations with party structures and leadership, I am pleased to endorse Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as my preferred successor under the platform of our party, the APC,\u201d the governor stated.\n<\/p>\n
He described Seriki as \u201cyoung, pro-people, astute and broad-minded,\u201d adding that the businessman and political mobiliser enjoyed \u201cprofound investments and extensive goodwill among the people of Kwara State.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
The governor, however, stressed that his endorsement did not invalidate the ambitions of other aspirants.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile this does not in any way preclude all other aspirants from contesting in the primaries, I urge members and leaders to affirm the choice of Seriki for cohesion, unity and continuous success of the party,\u201d he added.\n<\/p>\n
The endorsement was followed immediately by a flurry of approvals from grassroots leaders, top politicians, aspirants, and transport unions in the state.\n<\/p>\n
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, who stepped down from the race, congratulated Seriki over the endorsement and pledged to work for him.<\/p>\n
NILD Director-General Prof. Abubakar Suleiman said he would no longer be participating in the race after the announcement.\n<\/p>\n
The entire party structure is also poised to announce their support, with all the Local Government APC chairmen in Kwara Central and Kwara South having sent their endorsement for the nominee.\n<\/p>\n
The Kwara State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria also congratulated Seriki, while key sociocultural platforms in Kwara Central sent their congratulations.\n<\/p>\n
Kwara ALGON chairman, Abdullahi Danladi, said in a statement that \u201clocal government chairmen across the state are in full support of the governor\u2019s decision.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
At least five strong party blocs are to hold various endorsement engagements for the nominee on Wednesday, practically guaranteeing his emergence at the primaries that are slated for Thursday.\n<\/p>\n
Tens of thousands of party enthusiasts and supporters thronged the Tunde Idiagbon International Stadium, Ilorin to welcome Seriki just about three hours after his name was announced.\n<\/p>\n
However, despite the endorsement, party sources told The PUNCH that several aspirants had rejected moves to step down, insisting on participating in Thursday\u2019s direct primary election.<\/p>\n
A senior party official in Ilorin, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said many aspirants believed the race should be decided democratically.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe governor may have made his preference known, but many aspirants are not willing to surrender their ambitions. They believe the ticket should be determined through open contest and not predetermined arrangements,\u201d the source said. <\/p>\n
Kwara currently has the highest number of APC governorship aspirants in the country with 14 contenders, including former Senate Leader Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Muhammed Belgore (SAN), and Salihu Mustapha.\n<\/p>\n
Others are Olufemi Sanni, Mohammed Bio, Dr. Alabi Tajudeen, Amb. Yahaya Abdulfatai, Tajudeen Abdulkadir, Azeez Muideen, Bashir Bolanrinwa, Ahmad Mahmoud, Yetunde Bello, Mahalia Pategi and Prof. Olawale Sulaiman.\n<\/p>\n
Other states\n<\/p>\n
Oyo State followed closely with 11 governorship aspirants, while Adamawa recorded 10 contenders, reflecting heightened political activity ahead of the primaries.\n<\/p>\n
Notable aspirants include former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Akeem Agbaje and Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin.<\/p>\n
Adamawa\u2019s crowded field includes Abdulrazak Namdas, Mustapha Salihu, Senator Aminu Abbas, Abdurahaman\u00a0 Haske, Felix Tangwami, Joel Madaki, Bello Ibrahim and three others.\n<\/p>\n
Bauchi also recorded eight aspirants, among them the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.\n<\/p>\n
In Abia State, the party recorded four aspirants namely Mascot Uzor-Kalu, Henry Ikoh, Martins Azubuike, and Opah Chinemeucheya.\n<\/p>\n
Benue State has four aspirants \u2013 Mathias Byuan, Kuraun Isaac, Akutah Ukeyima and Terwase Orbunde \u2013 vying for the state\u2019s top job against Governor Hyacinth Alia.\n<\/p>\n
Gombe State recorded two aspirants \u2013 Senator Sa\u2019id Alkali, who is vying against Governor Inuwa Yahaya\u2019s preferred candidate Jamil Gwamna.\n<\/p>\n
Party insiders said the large number of aspirants in the affected states reflected unresolved zoning interests, succession calculations, and dissatisfaction among stakeholders over attempts to impose preferred candidates.\n<\/p>\n
In Plateau State, one of the two governorship aspirants, retired military officer Yilcini Bida, dismissed reports that he had stepped down for Governor Caleb Mutfwang.<\/p>\n
Speaking on Tuesday, Bida insisted he was fully in the race and was prepared to challenge the incumbent governor at the primary.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to inform the people of Plateau State that I am still in the race. Rumours are flying around that I have stepped down, but I remain fully committed to contesting the primary on Thursday,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
Bida said his administration, if elected, would focus heavily on infrastructure renewal, economic development, and security reforms.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the lighting project alone, we intend to spend N1tn within one year. We are also proposing the construction of 40km of road in each local government area,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
On insecurity, the retired officer promised to strengthen Operation Rainbow, the state-owned security outfit.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a former military officer, I understand what it takes to restore peace and security in the state. We plan to recruit personnel from rural communities to improve operational efficiency,\u201d he added.\n<\/p>\n
Bida said he was confident of winning the primary despite facing an incumbent governor.<\/p>\n
Lagos succession permutations\n<\/p>\n
Political negotiations also intensified in Lagos State as aspirants continued to align behind Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.\n<\/p>\n
One of the governorship aspirants, Samuel Ajose, formally withdrew from the race on Tuesday and announced his support for Hamzat.\n<\/p>\n
Ajose described the decision as painful but necessary for party unity.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI know it is a very tough decision. I struggled with it overnight, but when I woke up in the morning, I had my peace,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the interest of the party, I have decided to step aside and support Hamzat. We are going to be part of his campaign and play an important role,\u201d he added.\n<\/p>\n
His withdrawal came weeks after former PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also stepped down and endorsed Hamzat following consultations with APC leaders.<\/p>\n
Jandor said his withdrawal followed the endorsement of Hamzat by President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders in Lagos State.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing the endorsement of Dr. Kadiri Hamzat by our leader, the President of Nigeria, and leaders of our party in Lagos, and in recognition of the prevailing realities within the political landscape of our great party, I have decided to withdraw from the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race,\u201d Jandor had said.\n<\/p>\n
The former PDP governorship candidate described the decision as a sacrifice made for party cohesion and unity, while pledging loyalty to the APC leadership structure.\n<\/p>\n
However, businessman and politician Lanre Jim-Kamal, who formally declared his intention to contest the APC Lagos governorship ticket last month, has reportedly not stepped down from the race.\n<\/p>\n
Jim-Kamal, who made his declaration in Ikeja before party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders, also introduced a five-point agenda and a claimed $50bn partners\u2019 investment proposal for the state.\n<\/p>\n
Consensus deal\n<\/p>\n
An APC list obtained by The PUNCH showed that several states recorded only one governorship aspirant, highlighting stronger consensus structures in those chapters.<\/p>\n
These include Akwa Ibom, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Ogun and Zamfara.\n<\/p>\n
Political analysts within the party said the contrasting developments across states underscored the APC\u2019s challenge of balancing internal democracy with political stability ahead of the 2027 elections.\n<\/p>\n
A party source at the national secretariat noted that while consensus remained the preferred option of the leadership, resistance from aspirants in several states could trigger intense primaries and deepen internal divisions if not properly managed.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe party leadership wants consensus because it reduces conflict and litigation, but many aspirants believe they have invested too much politically and financially to simply step down. That is why some states are becoming battlegrounds,\u201d the source said.\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ahead of Thursday\u2019s governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress, resistance to consensus arrangements has intensified in at…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":240851,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[45],"tags":[1470,99509,123795,123796,6498,11517,122,9287,2205,31402],"class_list":["post-243413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nigeria","tag-2027-elections","tag-apc-primaries","tag-consensus-deal","tag-governorship-aspirants","tag-kwara-state","tag-lagos-state","tag-nigeria","tag-nigerian-politics","tag-political-parties","tag-state-governors"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@africa\/116605527120196110","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243413"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243413\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/240851"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=243413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=243413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}