Fresh controversy has engulfed the ongoing primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, with allegations of intimidation, imposition, disqualifications and interference emerging from several states, particularly Rivers and Lagos.
The development comes amid growing concerns within the party over the credibility of its internal democratic process as key aspirants continue to withdraw from contests under controversial circumstances.
In Rivers State, the political crisis surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appears to have cast a long shadow over the APC governorship primaries.
Fubara on Wednesday announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary, saying the decision was taken after “deep reflection and extensive consultations”.
In a statement, the governor said: “Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity.”
Fubara added that “leadership is ultimately about sacrifice” and insisted that “personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people”.
His withdrawal followed months of intense political tension between him and Wike, his predecessor and former political ally, who handpicked him for the job. The rift between both men, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office, led to a prolonged power struggle involving the Rivers State House of Assembly, impeachment threats and deep factional divisions within the state’s political structure.
Although neither Fubara nor Wike directly linked the withdrawal to alleged interference, political observers and party members within the state have continued to allege that the APC primaries were being heavily influenced by forces loyal to the FCT minister.
Wike has not commented on the process, and could not be immediately reached for this report.
Barely hours after Fubara stepped down, former APC governorship candidate in Rivers, Tonye Cole, also announced his withdrawal from the race.
Cole said his decision was made in “the overriding interest of party unity, peace and collective progress”.
“As a committed democrat and a firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among the various stakeholders and factions within the Rivers State chapter of our great party,” Cole said.
He added: “This decision was not made lightly. It is the product of deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability, growth, and success of our great party and our beloved state.”
The withdrawals have fueled speculation that the primaries may have effectively become a predetermined process in the state.
In Lagos State, similar allegations of manipulation and intimidation surfaced following the APC primary for the Surulere federal constituency seat.
Actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot openly rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging irregularities and vowing to challenge the process.
“We are not accepting this process,” Elliot said while addressing supporters after the exercise, adding that he would appeal the outcome of the primary.
Supporters of some aspirants in Lagos also alleged intimidation and suppression during the delegate process, although party officials have yet to formally respond to the accusations.
Across several states, concerns have also emerged over the emergence of incumbent governors as sole aspirants in APC governorship primaries, further intensifying criticisms that the ruling party’s internal processes are becoming increasingly restrictive and tightly controlled.
The controversies have triggered wider debate over internal democracy within the APC, particularly as the party prepares for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 election cycle.
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