APC Primaries Spark Nationwide Crisis and Protests Across Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress (APC) faced a systemic political crisis during its National Assembly and governorship primaries for the 2027 general elections. The process resulted in the defeat of at least 70 serving lawmakers and was marred by widespread allegations of result fabrication, the imposition of candidates via unauthorized consensus, and physical violence. In Plateau State, security forces killed a resident during protests, while armed thugs disrupted polling in Akure, Ondo State.

Aggrieved candidates in Kaduna, Yobe, and Zamfara states specifically rejected the use of consensus arrangements, claiming they violated the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026. In Kaduna, a coalition led by Danjuma Laah issued ultimatums demanding the cancellation of results, alleging that Governor Uba Sani imposed candidates. Despite these protests, the party announced winners in Kaduna, including Shehu Sani for the Central district. In Zamfara, aspirant Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi accused the party of "political banditry," claiming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered aspirants to step down for serving senators.

Other disputes erupted in Delta, where Senator Ned Nwoko alleged government manipulation, and in Kogi, where the clearance of former Governor Yahaya Bello sparked protests. While some leaders, like National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, asserted that only the National Working Committee can officially declare winners, many aspirants have vowed to seek judicial intervention. The Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed that all 22 registered parties have submitted their membership registers for verification as the party attempts to manage these internal fractures.