Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — A major leadership crisis has emerged within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), throwing the party into internal turmoil just months ahead of the 2027 general elections. Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi publicly declared herself the authentic National Chairman of the APC on Wednesday, challenging the legitimacy of the party’s recognised leadership and signalling the start of a potentially protracted legal and political battle.
Danladi, a political activist, asserted that the current National Working Committee (NWC) led by Nentawe Yilwatda lacks legitimacy and has failed to follow proper party procedures. She said her claim to the chairmanship is grounded in legal rights and internal party democracy, declaring, “I hereby assert my position as the true and authentic Chairperson of the APC.”
As part of her challenge, Danladi plans to approach the Federal High Court in Abuja to contest what she describes as an “illegitimate structure” managing the party’s affairs. She also intends to seek a court order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the current leadership, warning that allowing the existing NWC to continue would undermine democratic principles within the party.
The crisis has heightened tensions within the APC at a critical moment as Nigeria’s political parties prepare for the 2027 elections. Analysts note that internal cohesion is widely regarded as essential for electoral success, and Danladi’s challenge exposes existing fractures within the party. Internal disagreements over inclusivity, adherence to party constitutions, and strategic decision-making have been simmering for months, and this development has brought them into the public spotlight.
Neither INEC nor the party’s recognised leadership under Yilwatda has formally responded to Danladi’s announcement or her planned legal action. Observers say that involving INEC could complicate the matter, as any court ruling compelling the electoral commission to recognise a rival leadership faction would set a precedent affecting party regulation nationwide.
Reports indicate that efforts at reconciliation between rival factions had been attempted prior to Danladi’s declaration but failed to resolve the disputes. Sources suggest that party figures loyal to the recognised leadership reportedly offered a substantial settlement to Danladi’s camp, which was rejected, underscoring the depth of the internal rift.
The leadership dispute occurs against a backdrop of broader political competition and public scrutiny of governance in Nigeria. The APC, which has held federal power since 2015, faces heightened expectations regarding security, economic management, and public service delivery. Internal disunity could weaken the party’s electoral appeal and create vulnerabilities for opponents to exploit.
Danladi’s legal challenge also highlights the increasing role of factional actors and political activists who use judicial and public channels to assert alternative leadership claims within mainstream parties. Whether her legal action will gain traction remains uncertain, but the public attention it has generated emphasizes the growing interplay between judicial processes and internal party politics.
The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to play a central role in resolving the dispute in the coming weeks, with filings and rulings likely determining which faction INEC recognises. The outcome could have long-term implications for political party governance and internal democracy in Nigeria.
The APC now faces one of its most serious internal challenges in recent memory. The resolution of this crisis — whether through court intervention, negotiation, or continued political contestation — will be a defining factor in the party’s ability to present a united front for the 2027 general elections.
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