President, Bola Tinubu.
Tensions are mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following reported moves by members of its National Working Committee (NWC) to resist a directive attributed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu granting state governors significant influence over party ticket allocations ahead of future primaries.
Party sources indicate a growing rift between the presidency and the APC’s central leadership, with concerns that the directive could weaken internal party structures and undermine internal democracy.
The development comes amid indications that APC governors may be empowered to play a decisive role in determining candidates in their respective states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Insiders within the NWC argue that the move sidelines the party’s leadership and diminishes its authority. Some officials reportedly view the development as a threat to the party’s institutional relevance, warning it could trigger dissatisfaction among aspirants and stakeholders across various states.
In response, there are indications that elements within the NWC are considering strategies to challenge the directive, including supporting aggrieved aspirants to amplify pressure for a review.
The controversy follows recent remarks by President Tinubu suggesting that governors, given their familiarity with local political dynamics, should guide the candidate selection process to maintain party cohesion. However, critics within the party contend that the approach may inadvertently deepen internal divisions, strengthen state-level power blocs, and intensify competition for control within the APC.
