2027 at risk for APC as ruling party grapples with internal wrangling across Nigeria

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing serious internal challenges that could jeopardize its chances at the polls.

Deep-seated crises in key states such as Benue, Adamawa, Delta, Osun, Rivers, Zamfara, and Bayelsa are currently rocking the ruling party.

Critics warn that if urgent and decisive steps are not taken, these unresolved disputes could persist and affect the party’s ability to present a united front in 2027.

In Delta, APC is grappling with a leadership crisis following the emergence of two parallel chairmen.

Paulinus Akpeki, representing Delta Central, and Francis Obigbor, from Delta North, both claim to be the acting chairman in the absence of the substantive leader, Omeni Sobotie, who is on medical leave.

The division threatens to unravel recent reconciliation efforts and weaken the party’s structure in the state.

In Bayelsa, unresolved disputes from the last ward and state congresses continue to fester.

With court judgments nullifying the congresses and suspensions of key figures like the minister of state for petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and former governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, the party remains divided.

In Osun, a long-standing rivalry between former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his successor Adegboyega Oyetola has split the party into factions.

Aregbesola’s Omoluabi Progressives operate independently, while the Oyetola-led leadership is in charge of the party’s structures.

In Benue, the burial of Second Republic minister Paul Unongo exposed a growing rift between Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Governor Hyacinth Alia.

In Adamawa, deep divisions among loyalists of different factions have persisted since the controversial 2023 congress.

Efforts by an eight-member reconciliation committee, led by Senator Muhammed Mana, have yet to yield results, leaving the state APC fractured and vulnerable.

The Rivers APC remains sharply divided between factions loyal to former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and those supporting Tony Okocha.

The reinstatement of Emeka Beke as chairman has further complicated the crisis, with court orders and contentious congresses fueling tensions.

In reaction, national publicity director Bala Ibrahim told Punch: “The APC does not shy away from responsibilities and is actively pursuing lasting solutions.”