- APC Governors, Chairman Split Over 2027 Primaries
- Party chairman Yilwatda cautious, avoids conflict with President Tinubu.
- Final decision delayed to prevent political bloc advantage ahead of 2027.
Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, appear headed for a clash over the mode of primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that while the Presidency and the party’s national leadership have yet to adopt a final position, APC governors are reportedly pressing for the adoption of indirect primaries in the 2026 party primaries.
Party insiders told Leadership Newspaper that before his resignation, former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, had reached an understanding with governors to adopt the delegate system.
According to sources, the governors favour indirect primaries because it allows them to exercise greater control over state party structures and influence the selection of candidates for the National Assembly and other elective positions.
One party chieftain, who spoke anonymously, said:
“They were confident Ganduje would back their agenda. His resignation disrupted their plans. President Tinubu’s decision to back Yilwatda and extend the tenure of executives unsettled them further.”
Sources within the Presidency disclosed that President Bola Tinubu leans strongly towards direct primaries, recalling the chaotic APC congresses of 2018 which nearly fractured the party.
“But they have forgotten Tinubu is not Buhari. He is in firm control of the party. He would prefer direct primary, no doubt; and the governors know this much. That means they have to be on the same page with him,” another insider said.
It was also gathered that Prof. Yilwatda has been cautious in his approach, deliberately avoiding commitments with governors without the President’s approval. “He does not want to repeat the mistakes of his predecessor,” one source noted.
Reacting to the reported rift, the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said the governors remain committed to the party’s unity and will abide by the final decision.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, Uzodimma stated:
“APC is one united family and will continue to speak with one voice for the overall interest of the nation. As responsible stakeholders, we will abide by the party’s decision on the mode of primaries.”
