Resistance to Consensus Deals Deepens Across Key States Ahead of Governorship Contests

Efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress to impose consensus candidates ahead of Thursday’s governorship primaries are facing mounting resistance in several states, exposing widening internal tensions within the party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

While party leaders and governors have pushed for negotiated endorsements to avoid rancorous contests, multiple aspirants in at least 10 states have refused to step down, insisting that candidates should emerge through open primaries rather than elite arrangements.

The primaries, scheduled for Thursday across 28 states, are expected to test the APC’s ability to balance internal democracy with political stability. Direct primaries are expected in states where consensus negotiations collapse, with appeals slated for May 24.

Consensus Strategy Gains Traction in Some States

Despite resistance in several battleground states, the APC leadership has successfully secured consensus backing for a number of governors and sole aspirants seeking either re-election or uncontested nominations.

Among those widely endorsed by party structures are Governors Sheriff Oborevwori, Abba Yusuf, Peter Mbah, Umar Namadi, Dikko Radda, Nasir Idris and Ahmed Aliyu. Others include Governors Dauda Lawal, Mohammed Umar Bago, Umo Eno and Ogbonna Nwifuru.

Party officials in those states argued that consensus arrangements were necessary to prevent factional disputes and preserve party cohesion ahead of a high-stakes electoral cycle.

In Jigawa, APC chairman MK Garba said Governor Umar Namadi remained the party’s sole aspirant, describing the process as a straightforward ratification exercise. Similar positions were echoed by party figures in Sokoto and Kebbi.

Kwara Emerges as Major Flashpoint

The fiercest resistance to consensus appears to be unfolding in Kwara, where Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq publicly endorsed businessman and political mobiliser Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor.

The governor said his endorsement followed “extensive consultations” with party stakeholders and described Seriki as “young, pro-people, astute and broad-minded.”

The endorsement immediately triggered a wave of support from party structures, including local government chairmen, transport unions and political blocs across the state. Several aspirants also stepped down in support of Seriki.

But the endorsement has failed to clear the field entirely.

Party insiders told The PUNCH that several aspirants remain determined to contest the ticket, arguing that the race should be decided democratically rather than through predetermined arrangements.

Kwara currently has one of the largest governorship fields in the country, with contenders including former Senate Leader Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Muhammed Belgore and Salihu Mustapha among others.

Oyo, Adamawa and Bauchi Record Crowded Fields

In Oyo, the APC has attracted 11 governorship aspirants, underscoring intense competition within the state chapter. Among the leading figures are former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and businessman Akeem Agbaje.

Adamawa recorded 10 aspirants, while Bauchi has eight contenders, including former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.

Party insiders said the crowded fields reflected unresolved zoning disputes, succession calculations and dissatisfaction over attempts to impose preferred candidates.

Plateau Aspirant Rejects Withdrawal Claims

In Plateau, retired military officer Yilcini Bida publicly denied reports that he had withdrawn from the race in favour of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Bida said he remained fully committed to contesting the primary and outlined ambitious infrastructure and security proposals, including plans for major road projects and expanded investment in the state’s security outfit, Operation Rainbow.

Lagos Succession Battle Intensifies

Political calculations also intensified in Lagos, where support appears to be consolidating around Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

Governorship aspirant Samuel Ajose formally withdrew from the race and endorsed Hamzat, describing the move as necessary for party unity.

His decision followed an earlier withdrawal by former PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, who cited backing for Hamzat by President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders in Lagos.

However, businessman Lanre Jim-Kamal is still believed to be in the race, signalling that negotiations within the Lagos chapter remain unresolved.

High Stakes for APC Ahead of 2027

An APC document obtained by The PUNCH showed that several states — including Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kaduna and Ogun — recorded only one governorship aspirant, suggesting that consensus arrangements have held more firmly in those chapters.

The APC generated an estimated N5.05bn from the sale of nomination and expression-of-interest forms to 101 governorship aspirants nationwide, according to findings cited in the report.

Political analysts say the contrasting developments reveal a deeper struggle within the party over how candidates should emerge ahead of 2027.

One senior party source at the APC national secretariat warned that while consensus deals reduce litigation and open conflict, forcing aspirants aside could deepen internal divisions in key states.

“The party leadership wants consensus because it reduces conflict and litigation,” the source said. “But many aspirants believe they have invested too much politically and financially to simply step down. That is why some states are becoming battlegrounds.”