The All Progressives Congress (APC) is heading into a crucial round of governorship primaries on Thursday across the country, with growing political tension over attempts by party leaders to impose consensus candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In several states, influential party stakeholders have pushed for consensus arrangements in a bid to avoid internal crises and bitter contests. However, many aspirants have resisted the move, insisting on participating fully in the primaries to test their popularity within the party.
Among the most closely watched states are Rivers, Kwara, Adamawa and Plateau, where intense political negotiations and rival camps have continued to shape the race for the APC governorship tickets.
In Rivers State, political drama took a fresh turn after Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary race on Wednesday night.
In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” Fubara said he stepped aside after consultations with family, friends and political associates, stressing that peace, unity and stability in Rivers State were more important than personal ambition.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people,” the governor stated.
Fubara thanked his supporters for standing by him throughout his political journey and insisted that his withdrawal should not be seen as weakness or surrender.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside not out of fear or weakness, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he added.
His withdrawal followed months of political tension within the Rivers APC and a prolonged power struggle involving allies of former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The crisis had earlier led to the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State in 2025 before President Bola Tinubu later restored democratic governance and reinstated Fubara.
Before withdrawing, the governor’s loyalists had suffered major setbacks after several of them were disqualified from contesting in the APC House of Assembly and National Assembly primaries.
Meanwhile, former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole also stepped down from the race, citing the need to preserve party unity.
Cole said his decision followed consultations with the APC national leadership and other stakeholders.
“With deep reflection and commitment to the stability of our party, I have decided to withdraw from the primaries in the overriding interest of peace and unity,” he said.
His withdrawal leaves House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, as the sole remaining frontline aspirant in the Rivers APC governorship contest.
In Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq publicly endorsed Ambassador Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor after what he described as extensive consultations with party leaders.
The governor praised Seriki as “young, broad-minded and pro-people,” but clarified that other aspirants were still free to contest the primary election.
Despite the endorsement, over a dozen aspirants have refused to step down, setting the stage for one of the fiercest APC governorship battles in the country.
In Plateau State, retired military officer Yilcini Bida dismissed rumours that he had withdrawn for Governor Caleb Mutfwang, insisting he remained fully in the race.
“I am still contesting. I have not stepped down for anyone,” Bida declared.
The APC contest in Adamawa has also intensified, with political blocs loyal to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reportedly backing different aspirants behind the scenes.
The crowded race includes politicians such as Mustapha Salihu, Tijani Galadima, Abdulrahman Haske, Joe Madaki, Salihu Girei and several others.
Tensions increased after Governor Fintiri hinted that he would publicly unveil his preferred successor, a move that sparked criticism from some party stakeholders who warned against imposing candidates.
Some aspirants have since stepped down in favour of others in an attempt to consolidate support ahead of the primaries.
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Across other states, APC governorship contests are also generating intense political activity.
In Oyo State, 11 aspirants are battling for the ticket, including former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Akeem Agbaje.
Bauchi State has eight aspirants in the race, including former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.
In Nasarawa State, heavyweight politicians including former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, and Senator Aliyu Wadada are preparing for a fierce showdown.
Party officials are expected to conduct direct primaries in states where consensus arrangements fail.
However, concerns remain within the APC that unresolved disputes and allegations of imposition could deepen internal divisions ahead of the 2027 governorship elections.
