APC consensus plan crisis deepens as party weighs direct primaries amid internal divisions ahead of 2027 elections
The All Progressives Congress is facing mounting internal tension ahead of the 2027 general elections as disagreements over its consensus strategy threaten party unity across several states.
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The consensus plan crisis has prompted the party leadership to consider adopting direct primaries in states where negotiations have stalled, according to multiple party sources familiar with the development.
Senior figures disclosed that the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, has already briefed President Bola Tinubu on the proposed timetable for the party’s primaries, with an official announcement expected imminently.
The party is working against time to complete its primary elections and submit candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission before the statutory deadline.
While consensus arrangements have reportedly been finalised in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states, the APC consensus plan crisis remains unresolved in several others, including Nasarawa, Kwara, Adamawa, Yobe and Bauchi, where competing interests and rival blocs have complicated negotiations.
Party insiders said incumbent governors are being given priority in selecting successors, but disagreements over preferred candidates have made consensus increasingly difficult to achieve.
“In states where stakeholders cannot align, direct primaries will be the only viable option to maintain peace,” a senior party source said.
The crisis has also been linked to fears of internal rebellion, with some chieftains warning that imposed candidates could trigger defections or anti-party activities.
Another official noted that while consensus remains the preferred approach, it cannot be forced in a politically diverse environment with multiple strong aspirants.
Political activity has intensified across key states. In Bauchi, uncertainty surrounding Governor Bala Mohammed’s political future has complicated both ruling and opposition party strategies, while in Gombe, efforts towards a consensus candidate appear more structured under Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
In Yobe and Borno, behind-the-scenes manoeuvring continues among influential figures, with analysts suggesting that the emergence of a consensus candidate may prove difficult given the number of stakeholders involved.
The APC consensus plan crisis reflects broader challenges within the party as it seeks to balance internal democracy with strategic unity ahead of a highly competitive election cycle.
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Despite ongoing consultations, the outcome remains uncertain, with party leaders weighing the risks of imposition against the benefits of open contests through direct primaries.
