The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing mounting internal tensions after more than 150 aspirants were reportedly disqualified during ongoing screening exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the screening process has triggered protests, resignations, threats of legal action and accusations of candidate imposition across several states.
States affected include Taraba State, Kano State, Jigawa State, Benue State, Kogi State, Kaduna State, Ebonyi State, Rivers State and Plateau State.
Taraba backlash over endorsements
In Taraba North, youth groups and stakeholders rejected the endorsement of Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, accusing him of poor performance.
Stakeholders from Karim Lamido Local Government Area described his tenure as lacking impactful projects and warned that another endorsement could alienate voters.
Party insiders said several aggrieved aspirants were already preparing petitions and considering legal action over alleged irregularities and attempts to impose consensus candidates.
Kano consensus sparks protests
In Kano, more than 20 aspirants for Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly tickets were screened out despite earlier consensus talks.
The state APC confirmed that six aspirants stepped down for former governor Ibrahim Shekarau after reconciliation meetings.
However, groups opposed to the arrangement accused party leaders of sidelining loyal members in favour of political convenience.
Defections and resignations
In Jigawa, former Speaker Isah Idris resigned from the APC after being disqualified and later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Another former speaker, Idris Garba, and serving lawmaker Abubakar Sadiq were also reportedly edged out.
In Ebonyi, senatorial aspirant Christian Nwali resigned from the APC after losing out in a consensus arrangement linked to allies of Works Minister David Umahi.
Rivers records highest disqualifications
The biggest controversy emerged in Rivers, where 65 aspirants were disqualified while only 33 were cleared for the House of Assembly primaries.
Chairman of the appeal panel, Abdul Mahmud, said the committee had already received numerous petitions from aspirants challenging their disqualification.
He criticised the party for allegedly failing to officially notify aspirants about their status, with many learning of their disqualification through social media.
Concerns over internal democracy
In Kaduna, disputes also erupted over moves to adopt former senator Shehu Sani as a consensus candidate for Kaduna Central.
Critics, including former Speaker Yusuf Zailani and activist Yarima Shettima, rejected the arrangement, warning against political imposition.
Political analysts told Punch that the wave of grievances exposed growing tensions between party leadership control and internal democracy within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
