Resistance to consensus arrangements ahead of Thursday’s All Progressives Congress governorship primaries has intensified in several states, as many aspirants rejected pressure to step down and insisted on contesting the party’s ticket through open primaries.
Despite efforts by party leaders and governors to avoid internal disputes by adopting consensus candidates, the strategy is facing stiff opposition in states such as Kwara, Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Lagos, Gombe, Nasarawa, Rivers and Yobe.
The APC had fixed its governorship expression of interest form at N10 million and the nomination form at N40 million. Reports indicate that the party generated about N5.05 billion from the sale of forms to over 100 governorship aspirants across the country.
The primaries are scheduled to hold on Thursday, May 21, while appeals arising from the exercise are expected to be handled on May 24.
In several states, however, consensus arrangements have already succeeded, especially where incumbent governors are seeking second terms. Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Abba Yusuf of Kano, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Dikko Radda of Katsina, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi have all secured backing from party stakeholders.
Party leaders in those states described the consensus approach as necessary for stability and unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
In Kwara State, however, the battle remains intense. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recently endorsed businessman and political figure Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor after consultations with party leaders. While several aspirants immediately stepped down and backed Seriki, many others rejected the move and vowed to proceed with the primaries.
Sources within the party said several aspirants believed the governorship ticket should emerge through a democratic contest rather than endorsements from party leaders.
Kwara currently has one of the highest numbers of APC governorship aspirants in the country, with notable contenders including former Senate Leader Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Muhammed Belgore (SAN), Salihu Mustapha and several others.
In Oyo State, 11 aspirants are battling for the APC governorship ticket, including former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Akeem Agbaje.
Adamawa also recorded a crowded race with 10 aspirants, while Bauchi has eight major contenders, including former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.
In Plateau State, retired military officer Yilcini Bida denied reports that he had stepped down for Governor Caleb Mutfwang. He insisted he remained fully in the race and promised to focus on infrastructure and security if elected.
Political negotiations have also intensified in Lagos State, where several aspirants are gradually aligning behind Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat. Governorship aspirant Samuel Ajose recently withdrew from the race and declared support for Hamzat, describing the decision as necessary for party unity.
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Former PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, had earlier withdrawn from the race and endorsed Hamzat after consultations with party leaders.
However, businessman Lanre Jim-Kamal is reportedly still in the contest and has refused to step down.
Party insiders said the increasing resistance to consensus arrangements reflects growing dissatisfaction among aspirants who believe they have invested heavily in their political ambitions and deserve a fair chance at the primaries.
A source within the APC national secretariat said while the party leadership prefers consensus to reduce conflict and post-primary litigation, many aspirants are determined to test their popularity at the polls.
According to the source, some states may witness fierce political battles during the primaries if agreements are not reached before voting begins.
