ABUJA, Nigeria — Fresh tension is building within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following reports that over 150 aspirants were disqualified during the party’s ongoing screening exercise for the 2027 general elections.
The development has triggered widespread protests, accusations of favoritism, and growing concerns about deeper internal divisions within the ruling party. The fallout is particularly severe following controversial screening outcomes in states like Rivers, Kano, and Benue.
Factional Feuds and Arbitrary Disqualifications
The mass disqualifications come at a critical time for the APC, occurring simultaneously with a widening rift between the National Working Committee (NWC) and powerful state governors over delegate lists. Party insiders reveal that aggrieved aspirants are accusing screening panels of acting as executioners for top party elites, deliberately axing popular local candidates to pave the way for anointed favorites.
In Rivers State, the long-standing rivalry between opposing factions has intensified, with disqualified candidates claiming the screening was weaponized to completely wipe out their political camp. In Kano and Benue, the outcomes have similarly reignited bitter internal battles, sparking fears of an imminent implosion.
Grassroots Revolt and Timetable Adjustments
The screening crisis is already spilling onto the streets, mirroring the violent grassroots rebellion in Oyo State, where angry members openly protested candidate imposition. The rising internal friction is believed to be the true driver behind the APC’s sudden, 24-hour postponement of the House of Representatives primaries, which were shifted to Saturday, May 16, 2026, under the guise of “logistical adjustments.”
The escalating chaos completely undermines the peaceful conduct mandated by President Bola Tinubu, who recently issued a strict warning to all members to avoid “do-or-die” internal politics and uphold sportsmanship.
Legal Showdown Looms
As the rescheduled legislative primaries approach, hundreds of disqualified aspirants are storming the APC Appeal Committees to contest their exclusion.
Party administrators are working under immense pressure to review the controversial petitions. Security forces have heavily fortified the APC National Secretariat in Abuja and various state party headquarters, as aggrieved camps threaten to hold parallel primaries or drag the party into prolonged legal battles that could derail its 2027 campaign.
