Fresh political tension is spreading across the ruling All Progressives Congress following the disqualification of more than 150 aspirants during the party’s ongoing pre-primary screening exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development has triggered protests, threats of legal action, and growing accusations of imposition and manipulation in several state chapters of the party.
The screening exercise, which forms part of the APC’s nationwide strategy to reduce the number of contestants before the commencement of party primaries, has instead exposed deep divisions within the party structure. Reports indicate that many aspirants who failed the screening process have rejected the outcome, insisting that the exercise was influenced by political interests and powerful party figures seeking to impose preferred candidates.
According to party insiders, tension is especially high in several states where aggrieved aspirants have begun preparing formal petitions against the screening committees. Some of the affected politicians are also considering court action if the internal appeal process fails to overturn their disqualification. The situation has heightened fears of internal rebellion, possible defections, and prolonged legal battles that could weaken the party ahead of the next election cycle. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
In Kogi State, allegations of unfair treatment and political interference have intensified the crisis. Some party stakeholders accused the state leadership of abandoning internal democracy and selectively allowing access to nomination forms. A party chieftain, Chief Femi Olugbemi, reportedly claimed that aspirants with strong grassroots support were deliberately sidelined in favour of individuals allegedly backed by influential political figures within the party.
The controversy is not limited to Kogi alone. In Anambra State, the APC reportedly expelled about 30 members, including aspirants for Senate and House of Representatives seats, over lawsuits filed against the party. The state chapter maintained that the expulsions were carried out in line with party rules, stressing that members who drag the party to court violate internal regulations. The state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Iyiegbu, stated that the only condition for reconciliation would be the withdrawal of the legal cases instituted against the party.
Similarly, tensions have continued to build in Rivers State where disputes over the screening outcome have generated strong reactions among party members. Chairman of the screening appeal panel, Dr Abdul Mahmud, confirmed that both the cleared and disqualified aspirants were reviewed and affirmed by the relevant committees. Mahmud, a legal practitioner, explained that although he is not an APC member, he was chosen to head the panel because of the confidence the party leadership had in his professional credibility.
The unfolding crisis comes at a sensitive moment for the APC as politicians across the country intensify consultations and strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Several governors, senators, ministers, and influential political figures have already begun making moves for higher offices or re-election bids, increasing competition within the party.
Political analysts believe the growing discontent within the APC could create major challenges if not properly managed. Some observers warn that unresolved disputes arising from the screening process may lead to parallel party structures, anti-party activities, or defections to opposition platforms. Others argue that the situation reflects the wider struggle for control of the party ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 election season.
Across social media and political circles, reactions to the development have been mixed. While some party loyalists defended the screening exercise as necessary to maintain discipline and reduce overcrowding in the primaries, critics accused the APC leadership of suppressing internal democracy and shutting out credible aspirants through selective disqualifications.
The controversy surrounding the screening process has also revived broader debates about internal democracy within Nigerian political parties. Over the years, accusations of candidate imposition, manipulation of primaries, and lack of transparency have repeatedly sparked crises within major parties, often resulting in court cases and post-primary disputes that affect election outcomes.
Despite the growing unrest, APC leaders are expected to continue with the appeal and reconciliation process in an effort to calm tensions before the official primaries begin. However, with hundreds of aspirants reportedly dissatisfied with the screening outcome, political observers say the ruling party may face one of its toughest internal battles in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
