The All Progressives Congress has warned aspirants contesting on the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 elections against actions capable of disrupting or undermining its primary election process, stating that offenders risk immediate suspension.
The warning was issued by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, amid rising tensions, allegations of candidate imposition, and internal disputes already emerging within parts of the ruling party ahead of scheduled primaries.
According to a statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC leadership said it would not tolerate acts capable of discrediting or destabilising the primary process.
Yilwatda warned that any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence, sponsoring unrest, engaging in anti-party conduct, or attempting to compromise the integrity of the primaries could face disciplinary sanctions, including suspension from the party.
The warning comes as the APC prepares for a series of primaries expected to begin with House of Representatives contests before extending to Senate, State House of Assembly, governorship and presidential primaries later in May.
The development follows growing complaints within the party over alleged attempts by influential political figures to impose preferred candidates in several states. In Lagos, tensions recently escalated within the Surulere chapter of the APC over accusations that party leaders were attempting to sideline certain aspirants ahead of State House of Assembly primaries.
Some stakeholders in Surulere accused powerful interests within the party of undermining internal democracy by allegedly promoting preferred aspirants before the commencement of primaries. The controversy reportedly involved concerns surrounding the political future of actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliott, who is seeking another legislative term.
Beyond Lagos, similar concerns have surfaced in parts of Ondo, Ogun and other states where aspirants and party stakeholders have accused some APC leaders of attempting to manipulate screening processes or push consensus arrangements viewed as unfair by rival camps.
Political observers note that internal party disputes over primaries have historically played major roles in shaping Nigeria’s elections, with aggrieved aspirants sometimes defecting to rival parties or working against their own party after controversial primaries.
The APC leadership’s latest warning appears aimed at preventing a repeat of past internal crises that weakened party cohesion in some states during previous election cycles.
Yilwatda also urged aspirants to display sportsmanship and accept the outcomes of transparent democratic contests, stressing that only one candidate can eventually emerge from each primary process.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and internal party processes within the APC.
Despite the assurances, concerns remain among some party members over allegations of imposition, selective screening and the influence of powerful political blocs within the ruling party.
Analysts say how the APC manages its primaries could significantly affect internal unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially as opposition parties continue monitoring developments within the ruling party.
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