By: Mustapha Abubakar Jada
The All Progressives Congress (APC) may be heading into one of its most turbulent phases yet, as fresh allegations and internal discontent rock the ruling party ahead of its congresses and the 2027 general elections.
Multiple party sources who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that powerful blocs within the APC are weighing the option of backing an alternative national leadership, a move that could culminate in the emergence of a factional National Chairman.
According to insiders, the rumblings stem from growing dissatisfaction in several APC-controlled states, where stakeholders are reportedly unhappy with what they describe as the “imposition” of state executive committees by the current national leadership.
Party stalwarts in some affected states are said to be privately accusing the national secretariat of sidelining grassroots consensus in favour of preferred loyalists. The alleged imposition of party leadership structures, particularly at the state level, has intensified mistrust and widened internal cracks.
A senior party member familiar with ongoing consultations revealed that some influential figures are “deeply uncomfortable” with the direction of the party and believe that the present leadership has failed to manage internal cohesion effectively.
“The issue is not just about congresses,” the source said. “It’s about confidence in leadership. Many feel excluded and believe the process is no longer transparent.”
Adding fuel to the fire, some former APC members who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have publicly described the APC as a “party in decline,” citing unresolved internal squabbles as evidence of systemic failure.
In separate remarks, defectors hinted that more high-profile exits could follow if the crisis escalates. They argue that the internal wrangling signals deeper structural weaknesses that may soon become impossible to conceal.
Political observers note that such public criticisms from former insiders could embolden aggrieved APC members still within the fold, potentially accelerating factional alignments.
However, Perhaps most alarming for the ruling party are persistent whispers that consultations are ongoing in certain quarters to test the waters for a parallel national leadership structure should reconciliation efforts fail.
While no official announcement has been made, analysts warn that the mere speculation of a factional National Chairman could unsettle party unity and create uncertainty ahead of critical congresses.
As of the time of filing this report, all efforts to reach the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, for comment proved abortive. Attempts to obtain clarification from the party’s National Secretary were also unsuccessful.
The absence of an official response has only heightened speculation, as stakeholders await a formal statement to either debunk or address the growing concerns.
With the 2027 general elections looming, political analysts warn that unresolved internal crises could significantly weaken the APC’s strategic positioning just like the way Wike and Co continue to wreck havoc on PDP.
The coming weeks are expected to be decisive, as party leaders grapple with mounting pressure to restore unity or risk a deeper fracture.
Whether the rumours translate into concrete action remains to be seen.
However, what is clear is that beneath the surface of APC preparations for 2027, tensions are rising and the outcome could reshape the internal architecture of Nigeria’s ruling party.
