As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held primary elections on Thursday for aspirants vying to fly the party’s flag in various states. The exercises produced a mix of unopposed victories, consensus candidates, and a few contentious outcomes.
Unopposed Governors Secure APC Tickets
Nine incumbent governors emerged as the sole aspirants in their states and were automatically returned as the APC governorship candidates for 2027. They include:
- Dauda Lawal – Zamfara
- Umaru Bago – Niger
- Dikko Radda – Katsina
- Nasir Idris – Kebbi
- Ahmad Aliyu – Sokoto
- Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta
- Uba Sani – Kaduna
- Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom
- Umar Namadi – Jigawa
Consensus Candidates Emerge in Four States
In Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Borno, the party opted for consensus arrangements. The following candidates were selected:
- Dr. Obafemi Hamzat – Lagos (current Deputy Governor)
- Senator Olamilekan Adeola – Ogun
- Kingsley Chinda – Rivers
- Mustapha Gubio – Borno
In Rivers, the emergence of Chinda was facilitated by the withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole, and Dakorinama George-Kelly from the race, leaving him as the sole aspirant.
Controversies in Taraba, Oyo, and Bauchi
Not all primaries went smoothly. In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas faced a stiff challenge from former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, who demanded a transparent and credible process.
In Oyo State, former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, rejected the outcome, alleging intimidation, manipulation, and falsification of results in some parts of the state.
Similarly, party members in Bauchi State protested against alleged moves to impose a candidate, insisting on a competitive and credible exercise. As a result, the APC leadership postponed the Bauchi governorship primary to Friday.
Additionally, the party approved the rescheduling of the State House of Assembly primary elections for Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies in Zamfara State to Sunday, May 24, 2026.
These developments were confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka. He explained that the decisions were taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) after consultations with stakeholders, in line with the party’s commitment to ensuring transparent, orderly, peaceful, and credible primary elections.
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