As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is confronting significant internal challenges that could threaten its electoral prospects.
Deep-seated crises in crucial states, including Benue, Adamawa, Delta, Osun, Rivers, Zamfara, and Bayelsa, are currently destabilising the ruling party.
Critics caution that without urgent and decisive action, these unresolved disputes might continue to undermine the party’s capacity to present a united front in 2027.
In Delta, the APC is entangled in a leadership crisis due to the emergence of two rival chairmen. Paulinus Akpeki, representing Delta Central, and Francis Obigbor from Delta North both assert their claim to the acting chairmanship in the absence of the substantive leader, Omeni Sobotie, who is on medical leave. This division threatens to unravel recent reconciliation efforts and undermine the party’s structure within the state.
In Bayelsa, lingering disputes from the previous ward and state congresses continue to fester. Court rulings nullifying these congresses, alongside the suspension of prominent figures such as the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and former gubernatorial candidate Chief David Lyon, have left the party divided.
In Osun, a longstanding rivalry between former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his successor Adegboyega Oyetola has fragmented the party into factions. Aregbesola’s Omoluabi Progressives operate independently, while the Oyetola-led leadership controls the party’s structures.
In Benue, the recent burial of Second Republic minister Paul Unongo exposed a widening rift between Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
In Adamawa, deep divisions among loyalists from various factions have persisted since the controversial 2023 congress. Efforts by an eight-member reconciliation committee led by Senator Muhammed Mana have yet to bear fruit, 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 rallying behind Tony Okocha. The reinstatement of Emeka Beke as chairman has further complicated the crisis, with court orders and contested congresses exacerbating tensions.
In response, national publicity director Bala Ibrahim stated: “The APC does not shy away from responsibilities and is actively pursuing lasting solutions.”
