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The conclusion of the All Progressives Congress primaries has triggered a nationwide political firestorm, with aggrieved aspirants flooding appeal committees with petitions. High‑profile casualties include former governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo West), Ibikunle Amosun, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), as well as former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo‑Agege (Delta Central).
Direct primaries, intended to be more democratic, have instead led to widespread allegations of manipulation, imposition, and secrecy. Opposition parties, including the NDC and PDP, are positioning to capitalise on the APC’s internal divisions ahead of 2027.
Key Points:
Direct primaries moved internal fights towards but did not stop imposition; governors used control of biometric registers to lock tickets.
Defeated heavyweights rarely retire quietly; they may turn to anti‑party mobilisation or litigation, weakening the APC’s 2027 campaign.
Opposition parties are extending from sales and courting aggrieved APC aspirants, potentially peeling away disenchanted members.
A Federal High Court ruling that INEC cannot dictate primary timelines opens a window for parties to re‑conduct flawed primaries.
Internal rifts in states like Oyo, Ogun, Rivers, and Abia could cost APC votes in already competitive regions.
Sources: The Sun Nigeria
