Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified moves to consolidate control of party structures across states ahead of the 2027 general election primaries, triggering concerns among stakeholders over the conduct of the exercise.
Findings by LEADERSHIP Sunday indicate that governors are strengthening their influence over ward, local government and state party executive structures, key layers that determine mobilisation and voting strength under the direct primary system.
The development has generated unease among party elders, federal lawmakers and other stakeholders, who fear that such dominance could affect internal democracy and the competitiveness of the primaries.
A party chieftain in the North-West, Sumaila Samsudeen, said control of grassroots structures could shape the outcome of primaries despite the adoption of direct voting.
“When governors control the structures and the grassroots machinery, they can still shape outcomes. That defeats the essence of competitive primaries,” he said.
Members of the National Assembly are also reportedly at odds with some governors in Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, Ondo, Adamawa, Katsina, Ogun and Jigawa states, with several lawmakers alleging exclusion from party structures needed for mobilisation ahead of the primaries.
In Delta State, tensions have escalated within the APC over the 2027 contests in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency and the Delta North Senatorial District.
The incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, has accused his predecessor, Hon. Ossai N. Ossai, of plotting protests against him, an allegation the latter denied, stating that calls by stakeholders for him to contest had unsettled the incumbent.
In the Delta Central Senatorial District, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has declared his intention to return to the Senate, setting up a contest with incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone, who is believed to have the backing of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Supporters of Omo-Agege have alleged that their camp was sidelined during the last party congresses, while rejecting what they described as a consensus arrangement.
In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has endorsed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as his preferred successor. The move has reportedly displaced other aspirants, including Senator Iyabo Obasanjo.
The governor is also said to be considering a bid for the Ogun East Senate seat, where incumbent Senator Gbenga Daniel is seeking re-election.
In Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is reported to have backed candidates across the three senatorial districts.
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