By Peace Erewunmi

Fresh controversy has emerged within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following reports that the party has quietly resolved disputes arising from its 2027 primary elections by adopting candidate lists backed largely by state governors, despite protests from aggrieved aspirants across several states.

According to party sources, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) has completed deliberations on the outcome of the primaries and approved a list of candidates for governorship, National Assembly, and state legislative elections. Reports indicate that State Working Committees have begun issuing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms primarily to candidates recognized by the party leadership.

The development follows weeks of internal disputes after APC primaries in several states reportedly produced parallel congresses, rival candidates, petitions, and allegations of irregularities. Many aspirants had called for reviews of the exercise, alleging imposition of candidates, delegate manipulation, and procedural violations.

While the APC leadership has publicly dismissed circulating lists of approved candidates as fake, reports suggest that internal mechanisms for resolving disputes have already identified the candidates regarded as authentic flag bearers. Party officials are said to be managing the process discreetly to avoid further escalation of tensions among dissatisfied aspirants and their supporters.

Sources within the party claim that governors played a significant role in determining the eventual outcome in many APC-controlled states, with candidates enjoying gubernatorial backing reportedly emerging as beneficiaries of the internal resolution process. However, some states witnessed intense power struggles that affected the fortunes of competing aspirants and political blocs.

Political analysts warn that unresolved grievances could create divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Similar disputes in previous election cycles have occasionally led to defections, litigation, and internal conflicts that affected party performance in some states.

Despite the controversy, APC leaders maintain that the party remains united and focused on preparing for the forthcoming elections. The leadership is expected to continue engaging aggrieved members in an effort to preserve party cohesion and minimize the risk of internal rebellion.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, attention is likely to remain on how the APC manages internal disputes and whether dissatisfied aspirants will accept the party’s decisions or pursue alternative political options.