APC Guber Primaries: 13 Sitting Governors Emerge Consensus Candidates

APC Guber Primaries: 13 Sitting Governors Emerge Consensus Candidates
Fubara Withdraws from Guber Race
Oyo aspirants insist on direct primary

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to conduct governorship primaries today across 30 states, with strong indications that at least 13 sitting governors seeking re-election in 2027 will emerge as consensus candidates.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that in many states, the exercise is expected to be largely procedural, with stakeholders already aligning behind incumbents ahead of the primaries.

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States where the process is expected to be a mere affirmation include Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Enugu, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross River, and Ebonyi. Others such as Kano, Niger, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara are also expected to follow similar consensus arrangements.

Party insiders revealed that out of 17 first-term governors, only a few may face real contests as some aspirants continue to resist consensus arrangements in their states.

Oyo, Plateau, Taraba See Tensions and Contestations

In Oyo State, the consensus option appears to have collapsed as multiple aspirants insist on going into the primaries. Though party leaders were reportedly pushing for Senator Abiodun Ali to emerge as a consensus candidate, no final agreement has been reached among the 11 aspirants.

In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is expected to face Commander Yilchin Jan Bida, who has insisted he remains in the race despite rumours of his withdrawal and alleged disqualification.

“I want to inform the people of Plateau State that I am still in the race,” Bida said, insisting he would contest the direct primary.

In Taraba State, Governor Kefas Abu Kefas had faced three challengers, including former NEDC board member Chief David Kente, who later withdrew from the race following pressure from party leaders in the North East.

Rivers: Fubara Withdraws from Guber Race

In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn from the APC governorship primaries, paving the way for Hon. Kingsley Chinda as the likely sole aspirant.

Fubara Withdraws From Rivers APC Governorship Primary

In a personally signed statement titled “My decision to withdraw from the Rivers State gubernatorial primaries,” Fubara said his decision was taken in the interest of peace and unity in the state.

“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people,” he said.

He added that his decision followed consultations with family and political associates, and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership for their support.

Other States Record Mixed Outcomes

In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia is expected to contend with Architect Terwase Orbunde and Dr. Mathias Byuan for the party ticket.

In Kwara State, the contest is shaping up as a two-horse race between Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki and Senator Saliu Mustapha.

In Oyo State, the party confirmed that multiple aspirants including Senator Sharafadeen Alli and former minister Adebayo Adelabu will participate in today’s governorship primaries alongside other contenders.

Party Clears 90 Aspirants for Assembly Polls

The APC also confirmed that 90 aspirants have been cleared for the House of Assembly primaries held on Wednesday, as the party continues its preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The Governorship and House of Assembly Primaries Committee Chairman, Mr. Taofeek Olawale Abdulsalam, said all cleared aspirants would participate in the exercise, while final results would be announced by the party’s national secretariat.