The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the party’s ongoing nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections are the most competitive in Nigeria’s political history.

Yilwatda said the sheer volume of aspirants jostling for a handful of elective positions across the country was proof of the ruling party’s deep penetration into every community in Nigeria.

The national chairman made the declaration on Wednesday evening while speaking with journalists outside President Bola Tinubu’s Ikoyi, Lagos residence, where he had gone to brief the President on the state of the primaries and receive direction on the way forward.

He explained, “The assessment is very simple. You can see how competitive our party has turned out to be. In just simple demand and supply, we have a few positions, and we have thousands of people who have come to vie for these positions across the country, the most competitive ever in the history of Nigeria.

“It shows how APC has penetrated all communities in Nigeria, and how it is accepted by Nigerians, and how every facet of Nigeria wants to be involved in APC.

“All leaders, people who want to become leaders in Nigeria, have seen APC as the first choice.”

He thanked Nigerians for their support and acceptance of the party, and praised aspirants for what he described as a “disciplined approach” that had made the process “near rancour-free, very organised” with “little complaints.”

Yilwatda disclosed that President Tinubu was impressed with two aspects of the primaries in particular: the logistical coordination deployed across states and the reduced number of violent incidents compared to previous exercises.

“This is the first time we’re deploying nationwide direct primaries, almost as if it is a general election in terms of resources. We printed result sheets, we did the logistical preparation, everything, and the President was very impressed with the logistics we deployed across the country.

“He has also been very impressed with the reduced number of incidents we have across the country.

“We’ve not had so much conflict and crisis across communities and at the ward level down to the election processes, and he’s happy with what we’re doing,” he said.

Yilwatda added that Tinubu had provided critical moral and institutional backing for the National Working Committee to enforce the party’s regulations to the letter.

According to him, “Mr President has given backing to the National Working Committee to succeed, including the moral backing.

“He has backed everything we have put in place to ensure we enforce the party’s regulations to the letter.”

Pressed on reports that some aspirants had resisted consensus arrangements and that complaints were mounting in several states, Yilwatda said the party’s guidelines were clear and had been followed in all cases.

He argued, “Our guidelines are very clear, our guidelines on consensus are clear, and on direct primaries are also clear.

“Where consensus doesn’t work, you go for direct primaries, and we’ve all trended to that, and that’s what people are doing across the states.”

He explained that the consensus process required aspirants to sign formal consent forms indicating they had stepped down voluntarily before the process could be concluded.

“There’s no state where people have complained that they wanted direct primaries and were given compulsory consensus, because there’s a consensus form that we give, and based on that, you must sign off on the consensus form you agreed to own a consensus candidate before the process takes place, and that has been followed in the guidelines,” he said.

On the question of post-primary grievances, Yilwatda said the party had established internal conflict resolution mechanisms and was prepared for the inevitable fallout.

He explained, “Definitely, we’re going to have some aggrieved party members after this primary election.

“We have the Presidential Conflict Resolution Committee and the Party Conflict Resolution Committee, and the party itself has been working to ensure that we reduce crises as much as we can.

“If you lose an election, it’s not the end of the world, the emotions, the sentiments, the fact that you feel you’re the best and then suddenly you’re not the one, the sentiments and ill feelings are sometimes there, but we show that we have an early healing process so that we can work on the campaign process and emerge victorious across the country in 2027.”

The APC’s staggered primaries, designed to produce candidates for every elective office ahead of the 2027 general elections, kicked off on May 15, 2026, with House of Representatives primaries, followed by Senate primaries on May 18 and State House of Assembly primaries on May 20.

Governorship primaries are scheduled for today (Thursday), with the presidential primary on May 23.

Participating are 30 APC governors, 88 senators, 242 House of Representatives members and thousands of other aspirants nationwide.

However, confusion has trailed aspects of the exercise as aspirants complained that the party had not released the final list of cleared aspirants in areas where consensus arrangements failed, fuelling speculation over possible disqualifications.

The exercise has sparked fierce internal debate over the mode of primaries, with APC governors pushing for indirect primaries while the Yilwatda-led NWC insisted on direct primaries.

Yilwatda, who assumed office as APC national chairman on July 24, 2025, and was re-elected at the party’s convention in March 2026, succeeded Umar Ganduje.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

The National Assembly primary election conducted by the ruling APC in Benue State has left the party more divided, with allegations of electoral manipulation, candidate imposition and internal betrayal threatening ongoing reconciliation efforts ahead of the general elections. JOHN CHARLES examines the controversy surrounding the exercise and its implications for the party’s future in the state

The National Assembly primary election conducted by the ruling All Progressives Congress in Benue State may have come and gone, but its outcome has further deepened divisions within the party.

There had been indications that peace was still elusive in the party despite the well-attended reconciliation meeting held in Makurdi a few weeks ago.

At the end of the meeting, the feuding camps emerged with differing interpretations of the resolutions reached. While the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the Benue APC crisis was to grant automatic tickets to all serving members of the state and National Assembly, including the governor, through consensus, Governor Hyacinth Alia disagreed.

According to the governor, both the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and the president had made it clear that there would be no automatic tickets for any serving elected official during the primaries.

“The issue of automatic tickets is beyond me and the SGF because the national chairman of the party and the president had declared that there would be no automatic ticket. The submission of the SGF was only a prayer,” Governor Alia said.

Although the reconciliation meeting resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to further reconcile the aggrieved factions, the move suffered a setback following the circulation of a leaked communiqué in which the issue of automatic tickets was allegedly inserted.

The Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, who also chaired the communiqué drafting committee, stated that the committee only prepared a draft communiqué for both the governor and the SGF to review and approve.

He insisted that at no point did the committee deliberate on or endorse automatic tickets for National or State Assembly members.

“At no time in our communiqué did we mention automatic tickets for National Assembly members, State Assembly members or anybody for that matter.

“Whoever mischievously sponsored the publication currently in circulation is doing a great disservice to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the APC family, as well as the spirit of the ongoing reconciliation and peace efforts,” the deputy governor said.

Sources within government circles claimed that the governor’s camp was angered by the leaked communiqué, which they alleged was orchestrated by one of the serving senators loyal to the SGF in an attempt to shape public perception.

There were also unconfirmed reports that the governor’s camp vowed to ensure that politicians loyal to the SGF, particularly members of the National Assembly caucus, would not secure return tickets during the primaries.

Whether or not the allegation was true, the outcome of the National Assembly primaries appeared to support the claim, as six members of the House of Representatives and two senators believed to be loyal to the SGF lost their bids to secure the party’s tickets.

For now, many party members remain uncertain about the implications of the primaries. Although the state has remained calm, political tension and uncertainty continue to dominate the atmosphere. While the winners have largely refrained from open celebrations, the losers are still grappling with the outcome and what it could mean for their political future.

Tension has continued to mount across Benue State following the conduct of the APC National Assembly primaries, with many party members and political observers describing the exercise as deeply flawed.

For many stakeholders, the once united and vibrant ruling party now appears badly fractured, with accusations of manipulation and candidate imposition dominating political discussions across the state.

One of the commercial drivers hired to transport security personnel and election materials to a local government area in Benue North-East Senatorial District, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the conduct of the exercise.

According to him, “As soon as we arrived at the local government headquarters, our first point of call was the Divisional Police Office. From there, we proceeded to the council secretariat where the election materials were distributed to some persons waiting for us. They immediately moved into one of the offices where figures were allegedly allocated to aspirants.”

The driver alleged that the outcome of the primaries appeared predetermined, claiming that the entire process was coordinated by the state working committee loyal to the governor.

“Right from the party secretariat, which has remained under the control of the governor’s exco, the election materials were handed over to officials loyal to the governor. The primary election committee also worked closely with them. All the local government returning officers were appointed by the Benjamin Omale-led exco put in place by the governor,” he alleged.

A political analyst in the state, Tony Ogah, also faulted the conduct of the exercise, describing what transpired during the primaries as “a shame.”

He argued that direct primaries, when properly conducted, remained one of the best democratic methods of candidate selection.

“Let me first correct the impression created by some people who condemned direct primaries because of what happened during this exercise,” he said.

“To me, direct primaries hold the key to unlocking the power of the masses. They also help to revive party loyalty and reduce the influence of personal interests.

“Even if the powers that be wanted to reward loyalty, it should have been done in a manner that would strengthen our democratic system.”

Ogah recalled that the APC also adopted direct primaries during the 2023 elections in the state, noting that party members openly queued behind their preferred candidates at the time.

“But during this primary election, if you moved around the capital city as a journalist, where exactly did you witness voting taking place throughout the National Assembly primaries?” he asked.

“It was the same situation across the state. Election materials were allegedly hijacked and taken either to local government secretariats or private residences of political godfathers where results were simply allocated to preferred aspirants.”

Ogah warned that the alleged imposition of candidates had already created resentment within the party and could negatively affect the APC’s chances in the forthcoming general elections if not properly addressed.

Also speaking, a party stakeholder in the state who identified himself simply as Chief Akeh expressed concern over the conduct of the primaries, although he commended party members for maintaining peace throughout the exercise.

According to him, what played out during the just concluded State and National Assembly primaries reflected the nature of politics in the country, but noted that the situation could have been better if party members had been allowed to freely choose their preferred candidates.

“Actually, the primary election has left a bitter taste in our mouths, but one thing I appreciate is the peaceful manner in which the other camps reacted to the outcome of the exercise,” he said.

“Instead of resorting to violence, they chose the path of peace by taking their grievances to the appeal panel. I only hope the panel will be fair enough to arrive at the truth.

“Because if there was truly an election and the people voted you out, then you would know outrightly that you were rejected. But the primaries were allegedly marred by several irregularities, ranging from the hijacking of election materials to the non-conduct of elections in many council wards across the state,” Akeh argued.

Similarly, the State Publicity Secretary of the Agada-led APC executive committee, Daniel Ihomun, who is loyal to the SGF, disclosed that more than 10 aspirants from their camp who lost the National Assembly primaries had petitioned the party’s appeal panel over alleged irregularities.

According to him, “The election was marred by electoral fraud, and that has the potential to destroy the ongoing reconciliation efforts because once people are denied the opportunity to exercise their franchise, you are inviting trouble.

“Our party was built on the principles of fairness and democratic values, but when things are not done properly, it could lead to chaos and serious crisis.

“We hope the party leadership will correct these mistakes ahead of the general elections. It is one thing to secure a party ticket and another thing entirely to win the general election.”

Ihomun also expressed concern that “strangers and political opportunists” had allegedly taken over the party from its legacy members, warning that such a development could harm the APC if not urgently addressed.

Meanwhile, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Benedict Yawe, of the Benjamin Omale-led executive committee and a loyalist of Governor Hyacinth Alia, commended the governor and the National Assembly Primary Election Committee for what he described as the peaceful conduct of the primaries.

According to Yawe, the exercise was conducted in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, which he attributed to the leadership provided by Governor Alia and the state party chairman, Benjamin Omale.

“The National Assembly Primary Election Committee did very well. They were transparent during the distribution of election materials and made it clear that the materials were not meant for anybody in particular but for all party members,” he said.

“For the public to know that the election was free and fair, there was no report of violence anywhere before, during or after the National Assembly primaries. We expect the same peaceful atmosphere during the State Assembly and governorship primaries.”

Yawe further attributed the calm political atmosphere witnessed throughout the exercise to the commitment of Governor Alia, whom he said had promised to provide a level playing field for all aspirants to test their popularity at the polls.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in the state.

Fubara made this known in a statement personally signed on Wednesday, saying he would support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, The Nations reported.

The governor said his decision followed extensive consultations with his family, friends, and political associates.

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” Fubara said.

The development comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections in Rivers State.

Fubara said although the decision was difficult, he remained committed to supporting whoever would emerge as the APC governorship candidate.

According to him, leadership demands sacrifice and personal ambition must sometimes give way to the collective interest of the people.

“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” he said.

Meanwhile, the embattled governor expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty, prayers and sacrifices throughout the political process, acknowledging that many would feel disappointed by his withdrawal.

He said his silence in recent weeks was “deliberate and strategic,” adding that it was guided by the higher interest of the state.

Punch Online had earlier reported that APC chieftain and 2027 governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, also announced his withdrawal from the race, saying his decision was, among other reasons, in the interest of the party’s unity.

Fubara thanks Tinubu, dismisses cowardice

The governor hinted at undisclosed pressures surrounding the political process, saying: “As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.”

He added that some truths were best kept quietly “not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose.”

Fubara thanked the APC leadership for the opportunity given to him during the process and also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and encouragement.

He urged party faithful to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the party as their “collective home.”

The governor, however, insisted that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an act of weakness or surrender.

“I stepped aside not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity,” he said.

Fubara also pledged to continue serving the people of Rivers State until the end of his tenure.

He further stated, “Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.

“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel.

“Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.”

Fubara’s ordeal

PUNCH earlier reported that Fubara rose politically under the administration of his predecessor and political godfather, Nyesom Wike, serving as Accountant-General of Rivers State before emerging as the PDP governorship candidate and winning the 2023 election with Wike’s backing.

Shortly after assuming office, however, the relationship between both men collapsed over control of the state’s political structure, appointments and finances, leading to a bitter power struggle involving the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who remained loyal to Wike.

The crisis escalated when 27 lawmakers attempted moves seen as targeting Fubara, while the governor’s camp questioned their legitimacy after alleged defections.

The Assembly complex was later demolished and governance became paralysed as both camps traded court actions and political attacks.

In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy and all lawmakers for six months, citing political instability and threats to governance and oil infrastructure.

During the suspension, retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed sole administrator.

Fubara was later reinstated after political negotiations reportedly brokered by Tinubu, with conditions said to include working with the Amaewhule-led Assembly, maintaining peace with Wike’s camp and shelving immediate political confrontation ahead of 2027, although some reported terms — including speculation about reelection concessions — remained unofficial.

The House of Assembly saga remained central to the crisis, with repeated disputes over budget presentation, impeachment threats and Supreme Court rulings affirming the Amaewhule faction as the recognised Assembly leadership.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM