Political Divisions Arise Among APC Leaders Regarding 2027 Presidential Primary Elections
APC Gearing Up for 2027 General Elections: A Battle of Primaries
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is preparing for primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, and the mode of these primaries is shaping up to be a significant point of contention within the party.
The current APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has been cautious and refuses to engage governors without the President's formal approval. This stance, according to sources, makes it difficult for the governors to impose their agenda, particularly in favour of the delegate system.
Before his resignation, former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, had reached an understanding with governors on using the delegate system. The governors prefer this method because it allows them to control state party structures and influence the emergence of candidates for the National Assembly and other positions.
However, President Bola Tinubu, who is in firm control of the APC party, is more inclined towards direct primaries. This preference is a deliberate move, according to sources in the Presidency, to prevent any political bloc from gaining an early advantage.
The 2018 rancorous congresses almost tore the APC apart, and this is recalled as a reason for President Tinubu's preference for direct primaries. In the past, direct primaries have produced governors such as Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, as the APC Governors' Forum Chairman, has stated that the APC governors will abide by the party's final decision on the mode of primaries. Governor Uzodimma emphasised that the APC remains a united family and will continue to speak with one voice for the overall interest of the nation.
Despite the ongoing debates, the APC has not officially presented a presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections yet. Potential candidates speculated by the media include former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor Peter Obi, and the current President Bola Tinubu, who has expressed intentions regarding the election.
The source hints that President Tinubu is likely to stick with the direct primary system, ensuring a fair and democratic process in the selection of the party's candidates for the general elections.
