The outcome of recent governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives primaries across the country has triggered deepening crises within the major political parties, exposing widening cracks among governors, former governors, senators, political godfathers and entrenched party blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

From Delta to Lagos, Kano to Kogi, Ogun to Rivers, allegations of imposition, manipulation, betrayal and state-backed intimidation have dominated political conversations as several influential politicians battle to retain relevance or secure strategic positions before the general election.

In several states, the primaries have not only produced winners and losers, but also fresh alignments, defections and rival power centres capable of reshaping the political map before 2027.

Delta: Omo-Agege, Ochei defections deepen APC crisis

Delta State has emerged as one of the biggest flashpoints following the implosion within the All Progressives Congress, APC, after the senatorial primaries.

The crisis began after former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, lost the APC Delta Central senatorial ticket to incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone during the direct primary conducted across the eight local government areas of the district.

According to the APC primary committee, Dafinone polled 116,252 votes against Omo-Agege’s 3,643 votes.

However, Omo-Agege rejected the outcome and insisted he remained the authentic winner of the exercise.

The defeat represented a major political setback for Omo-Agege, who remains one of the most influential APC figures in the South-South and still controls substantial grassroots structures across Delta Central.

Development Authority,NALDA,Prince Paul Ikonne, from Aba North,lost the primaries to him. Candidates of other political parties are not seen to posses the requisite capacity to trouble either Abaribe or Erondu at the polls.

The Abia Assembly member is said to be receiving huge support from the youths across political parties from the six council areas since he emerged the senatorial candidate of the APC.

Abaribe appears to be relying on his popularity and famed political strength as well as the support of the ruling LP government in the state.

Sources told Sunday Vanguard that the senator has been assuring his supporters that LP in the state has continued to deliver democracy dividends to the people and would sweep all elective positions. He also reportedly said Governor Alex Otti administration has demonstrated capacity through people oriented projects.

Speaking on his ambition, Erondu Jnr, said he has accepted the calls from the stakeholders of the zone, to replace Abaribe in 2027.

He described the contest against the senator as that of the biblical battle between Goliath and David.

Erondu assured that it will be a repeat of the biblical characters, adding that he possesses the strategy to unseat Abaribe to emerge the next senator representing the zone.

He further stated that his political strategy for victory in defeating the incumbent senator can be found in the biblical story of 1st Samuel, chapter 17, which narrates David’s victory over Goliath.

“I’m elated by the overwhelming support, especially from the youths across the six council areas of the zone.

“The election will be the biblical account of David’s victory over Goliath in the bible.

“When you read 1 Samuel 17, you will see and understand my strategy for the forth coming general election. I’m sure of victory.”

He assured the people of the zone of his commitment to effective representation, inclusive leadership, and the development of the senatorial zone.

Political analysts stated that Abaribe is relying on his popularity and political strength to stage a return to the Senate, but will meet Erondu who has been building a formidable youth support base.

Sunday Vanguard investigations also revealed that across the six councils of the zone,many stakeholders have pitched their tent with the Assembly member, pledging to work for his victory.

A political leader from Obingwa council who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, said Abaribe’s 19 year stint at the Senate has only brought little dividend to the zone.

Across section of the residents of the Abia South zone who also spoke to Vanguard believe that the fifth term Senator has not endeared himself to his constituents as he has failed to attract developmental projects to the zone in his 19 years political sojourn at the Senate.

“Abaribe has tried and should make way for new blood. Abia South needs a change in 2027. Senator Abaribe is our elder brother, he should retire to serve as a statesman,” a resident said.

How well Abaribe manages his famed political strength to surmount the increasing support for Erondu, remains to be seen.

KANO: Allegations of imposition

In Kano State, the growing fallout within the Kwankwasiyya movement is being driven by allegations that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is handpicking candidates and centralising control of the emerging NDC structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy intensified after reports emerged that former deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, was selected as the preferred governorship candidate, while former APC governorship candidate Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna was moved toward the Kano Central senatorial slot.

Several stakeholders within the movement reportedly felt sidelined by the consensus arrangement, arguing that loyal party figures and younger politicians were excluded from transparent competitive primaries. The dispute has deepened anxieties over succession planning and accusations that Kwankwaso is attempting to retain absolute influence over Kano politics even after leaving the NNPP structure.

The tensions are also linked to the fallout between Kwankwaso and Kano governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following Yusuf’s defection to the APC.

That split triggered resignations by commissioners, aides, and loyalists aligned with Kwankwaso, while rival camps began battling for control of Kano’s political machinery. Within the APC itself, the influx of Kwankwasiyya defectors has created another layer of crisis, with old APC stakeholders complaining that newcomers loyal to Yusuf are being favoured in appointments and party structures.

The adoption of a reported “60:40” power-sharing arrangement between existing APC members and defectors has generated resentment among long-time party loyalists, who fear displacement ahead of the APC primaries.

Analysts say the combined crises inside both the Kwankwasiyya camp and the APC could reshape political alliances in Kano and create bitter factional struggles before the 2027 elections.

Kogi: Echocho battles Ododo camp

In Kogi State, the APC is facing growing internal tensions after Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho lost the party’s senatorial ticket for Kogi East to Dr Joseph Erico Ameh, who is widely believed to enjoy the backing of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and political forces loyal to former governor Yahaya Bello.

Echocho rejected the result and declared himself the rightful winner of the primary, accusing the governor’s camp of manipulating the process against him.

The development has reopened old rivalries within the APC structure in Kogi East, where competing blocs linked to Ododo, Yahaya Bello and incumbent lawmakers are battling for control of the party ahead of 2027.

Political observers believe the crisis could deepen further because Echocho still retains considerable grassroots support within the district.

Ogun: Abiodun, Daniel in supremacy battle

In Ogun State, the APC remains sharply divided over the battle between Governor Dapo Abiodun and former governor Gbenga Daniel.

The crisis escalated after APC stakeholders in Ogun East endorsed Abiodun as consensus candidate for the senatorial seat currently occupied by Daniel.

Daniel rejected the arrangement and insisted only a transparent primary could determine the candidate.

While it is common in Nigerian politics for outgoing governors to seek senatorial positions as a continuation of public service and influence, the Ogun East scenario is complicated by the fact that the incumbent is himself a political heavyweight with deep historical roots in the district.

Rather than a smooth transition arrangement, the situation has escalated into an open power contest between two dominant blocs within the APC structure in the state.

The controversy became more visible following a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where certain APC leaders in Ogun East reportedly endorsed Governor Abiodun as a “consensus candidate” for the 2027 senatorial election.

However, the meeting quickly sparked controversy after Senator Daniel was reportedly excluded from the venue despite being a sitting senator and a major stakeholder in the district.

The optics of his exclusion triggered immediate backlash from his supporters, who viewed the endorsement as a pre-arranged political outcome rather than a product of internal consultation.

Daniel, addressing supporters outside the venue, dismissed the meeting’s conclusions and declared any resolutions reached there invalid, describing the process as undemocratic and exclusionary.

The rivalry reflects a broader structural tension within Ogun APC politics: the coexistence of two formidable political machines operating within the same party space.

On one side is Governor Abiodun, who controls the administrative machinery of the state and enjoys the advantages of incumbency, institutional access, and influence over key party stakeholders.

On the other is Daniel, whose political network remains deeply entrenched across Ogun East—particularly in the Remo and Ijebu corridors—where his influence has endured long after his tenure as governor.

This dual-power structure has made consensus-building increasingly difficult and has intensified fears of a fractured primary process.

The APC now faces a delicate balancing act. The push for a “consensus candidate” in favour of Abiodun risks alienating Daniel’s loyalists, who command significant grassroots support across the district.

Conversely, opening the contest to a full primary election could deepen internal divisions and produce a highly contentious and costly intra-party battle.

For the party, the stakes extend beyond Ogun East. Internal fractures in a strategically important state like Ogun could weaken its broader electoral strength ahead of 2027, particularly if unresolved grievances spill into the general election.

Beyond personalities, the crisis has reignited long-standing debates about internal democracy within Nigeria’s political parties.

Observers question whether consensus arrangements, often brokered by elite negotiations, can justifiably override open primaries. Others argue that sidelining a sitting senator from key party consultations undermines trust and weakens institutional cohesion.

The situation also highlights a recurring challenge in Nigerian politics: the tension between elite-driven decision-making and grassroots participation in candidate selection.

Despite the political turbulence, Daniel has maintained a firm stance that he will contest the APC senatorial ticket.

He has expressed confidence in his popularity and grassroots support, insisting that party members at the ward level will ultimately determine the outcome through a transparent primary process.

Daniel said: “In a free and fair primary, I will not only win, I will win overwhelmingly. The people know those who are working for them and those who truly have their interests at heart.”

He further maintained that the power to decide the party’s candidate rests solely with APC members through constitutional primary procedures, urging supporters to resist intimidation or undue pressure.

For the national leadership of the APC, the unfolding situation presents a critical test of conflict management and internal cohesion.

Efforts at reconciliation, transparent negotiation, and credible primaries may prove essential in preventing a split that could weaken the party’s electoral prospects in Ogun State.

Failure to manage the crisis effectively could turn internal disagreement into a prolonged factional struggle with consequences extending beyond the senatorial race.

The Ogun East senatorial contest reflects a broader reality in Nigerian democracy: the dominance of personality-driven politics over institutional processes.

The clash between Abiodun and Daniel is not merely about a Senate seat; it is about legacy, influence, and control of political machinery beyond 2027.

Whether the APC emerges from this contest unified or divided will depend on how its leadership navigates competing ambitions within one of its most politically significant states.

The rivalry between both men has now evolved into a broader supremacy struggle over who controls Ogun APC after 2027.

The battle is also connected to the governorship succession plan involving Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, who is believed to enjoy Abiodun’s backing for the governorship ticket.

Rivers: Wike-Fubara war splits structures

In Rivers State, the prolonged political war between former governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues to reshape political calculations across parties.

Recent developments, however, suggest that the balance of power may now be tilting heavily in Wike’s favour. Governor Fubara’s decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primary race shocked many political observers and was widely interpreted as a major setback for his political camp. Reports indicated that the withdrawal followed intense negotiations and pressure linked to ongoing reconciliation efforts within the state’s political establishment.

The implications of Fubara’s withdrawal are far-reaching for the APC in Rivers State. While the development may temporarily reduce open confrontation within the party, it has also deepened concerns that the APC structure in the state is increasingly being consolidated around Wike and his loyalists. Analysts believe the situation could weaken internal democracy and alienate sections of the party who feel excluded from the power-sharing arrangement.

The crisis became even more pronounced after APC screening committees reportedly disqualified dozens of aspirants believed to be loyal to Fubara from contesting Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives primaries. More than 60 aspirants linked to the governor’s camp were screened out, while aspirants aligned with Wike were overwhelmingly cleared to participate.

Among those affected were several prominent pro-Fubara political figures, including former factional Speaker Victor Oko Jumbo and other loyalists spread across multiple constituencies in the state. In contrast, lawmakers and aspirants associated with Wike’s political structure successfully scaled through the screening process, reinforcing perceptions that the former governor still controls the dominant political machinery in Rivers.

Political observers warn that the exclusion of Fubara’s loyalists from the primaries could trigger fresh defections, deepen factional bitterness and create parallel political structures ahead of 2027. Others fear the state may witness one of the fiercest and most volatile political contests in recent history because of Rivers’ enormous economic importance, federal influence and strategic electoral value.

The prolonged confrontation has also fuelled wider national debate about godfatherism, internal party democracy and the growing use of federal influence in state politics.

Edo: APC, PDP factions prepare for showdown

In Edo State, rival factions within both APC and PDP are already battling over party structures and ticket control ahead of the next election cycle.

Within APC, disagreements persist among competing tendencies over the direction of the party after the governorship transition, while PDP leaders loyal to former governor Godwin Obaseki are also struggling to retain influence within the opposition structure.

The primaries in some constituencies reportedly produced parallel claims of victory, further exposing the fragile state of internal party cohesion.

Political analysts say Edo remains volatile because of its history of bitter political godfatherism and factional warfare.

CROSS RIVER: Ambitions raise anxiety

In Cross River State, quiet tensions are steadily growing within the APC over Governor Bassey Out’s reported senatorial ambition after leaving office in 2027.

Sources within the ruling party say several stakeholders have become uncomfortable with the governor’s increasing influence over succession plans, party structures and candidate selection processes ahead of the next election cycle.

The emerging calculations have already triggered subtle political alignments among governorship aspirants, National Assembly hopefuls and local power blocs positioning themselves for the post-Out political order.

At the centre of the anxiety is the growing perception that Governor Out may seek to retain significant political influence after office by positioning loyalists across key elective positions while also pursuing a Senate seat. Political observers say this has intensified behind-the-scenes lobbying within the APC, especially among politicians worried about the concentration of power around the governor’s inner circle.

The situation has also complicated the political future of former governor Ben Ayade, whose own comeback ambitions appear increasingly threatened by the emerging power configuration within the party. Ayade, who currently represents Cross River North Senatorial District in the Senate after serving two terms as governor, is believed to be exploring options to maintain relevance within the APC structure ahead of 2027.

However, insiders say Ayade’s influence within the party has weakened considerably since leaving office, particularly after the transition of power to Out. Several party stakeholders now reportedly see the current governor as consolidating control over the state APC machinery in ways that may leave little room for Ayade’s political resurgence.

The speculation surrounding Out’s possible Senate ambition has further fuelled concerns because the move could directly affect existing political arrangements in Cross River South Senatorial District, where multiple aspirants are already quietly consulting and mobilising support.

KWARA: Succession battle deepens after dramatic governorship primary

Fresh tensions are brewing within the APC in Kwara State following the dramatic emergence of Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Danladi-Salihu’s victory has intensified political realignments within the ruling party and exposed underlying cracks in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s political structure, especially after widespread reports that the Speaker was not initially the governor’s preferred successor.

The APC governorship primary was reportedly preceded by days of intense lobbying, negotiations and internal power struggles among rival blocs within the party. While businessman Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki had long been perceived in political circles as the governor’s favoured aspirant, the equation reportedly changed shortly before the primary amid mounting pressure from stakeholders, shifting alliances and growing agitation for power rotation to Kwara North.

Danladi-Salihu, who hails from Kwara North and currently serves as Speaker of the State House of Assembly, eventually emerged victorious after defeating several aspirants, including prominent political heavyweights and serving lawmakers. His emergence was immediately interpreted by many observers as evidence of a deeper internal compromise within the APC rather than a straightforward endorsement process.

Party insiders say the outcome unsettled several interests within the APC, particularly among loyalists of aspirants who had invested heavily in expectations of securing the governor’s backing. Some stakeholders reportedly viewed the primary as a reflection of the growing influence of competing blocs determined to prevent the concentration of political succession entirely within a narrow circle around Government House.

The fallout from the governorship primary has since triggered quiet resentment across parts of the party structure. Supporters of unsuccessful aspirants are said to be dissatisfied with the handling of the process, alleging last-minute political deals, elite consensus arrangements and delegate manipulations during the exercise.

Analysts believe the development has complicated Governor AbdulRazaq’s post-office political calculations, especially amid speculations surrounding his interest in the Kwara Central senatorial seat. There are concerns that the governor may now face the difficult task of balancing relationships between the new APC governorship candidate and rival blocs that feel excluded from the succession arrangement.

The situation has also revived old rivalries within the APC coalition formed during the “O To Ge” political movement that ended the long-standing Saraki political dominance in Kwara. Though the coalition succeeded in uniting diverse interests against the former political establishment, insiders say many of the internal contradictions were merely postponed rather than resolved.

Some party members fear that unresolved grievances from the governorship primary could trigger defections, anti-party activities or parallel political structures ahead of the general elections. Already, opposition parties including the PDP, NNPP and emerging coalition platforms are reportedly making quiet moves to attract aggrieved APC stakeholders after the contentious primary process.

Meanwhile, Senator Salihu Mustapha and other influential figures within the APC are also believed to be repositioning themselves for strategic relevance in the evolving post-AbdulRazaq political order. The growing competition among rival camps is expected to shape not only the governorship race but also battles for Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly tickets across the state.

Already, several aggrieved aspirants across APC, PDP, NNPP, ADC and emerging coalition platforms are considering alternative political platforms amid accusations of manipulation, elite consensus and shrinking internal democracy.

ONDO: Tensions in Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu camps

The fallout from the APC primaries in Ondo State has continued to generate tension across the political landscape after several incumbent senators and members of the House of Representatives lost their return tickets ahead of the 2027 elections.

What was initially expected to be a routine consolidation of the ruling party’s dominance in the state has instead exposed deep internal cracks, rival power blocs and growing dissatisfaction over the management of the primaries.

Among the biggest political casualties were two serving senators, Adeniyi Adegbonmire of Ondo Central and Olajide Ipinsagba of Ondo North, who both failed to secure APC tickets for another term in the National Assembly. Their defeats shocked many party loyalists because both lawmakers were widely considered influential figures within the state APC structure.

The primaries also produced major upsets in the House of Representatives contests, where six out of the nine serving APC lawmakers from Ondo State lost their return tickets. Those affected included Festus Akingbaso, Derin Adesida, Donald Ojogu, Timehin Adelegbe and several other incumbents who were defeated during the fiercely contested exercises.

Political observers say the scale of the losses reflects deeper succession and control battles within the Ondo APC following the emergence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the dominant political force in the state after the death of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Several party insiders alleged that the primaries became battlegrounds for competing loyalties between old Akeredolu political structures, emerging forces loyal to Aiyedatiwa and other influential stakeholders struggling to retain relevance ahead of 2027.

The outcome of the primaries has since triggered quiet resentment among supporters of the affected lawmakers, many of whom accuse party leaders of manipulation, selective endorsements and delegate control during the process. In some constituencies, protests and disputes reportedly followed the announcement of results, further exposing tensions within the ruling party.

Analysts believe the defeat of multiple incumbents signals a major political realignment within Ondo APC, particularly as new political actors and interest groups seek to consolidate influence before the next governorship succession battle in the state.

There are also growing fears that the fallout from the primaries could lead to defections and anti party activities if aggrieved aspirants and their supporters feel permanently excluded from the evolving power structure. Some displaced politicians are already said to be exploring alternative platforms, while opposition parties are quietly attempting to capitalise on the internal APC crisis.

The PDP, Labour Party and emerging coalition platforms are expected to intensify recruitment efforts targeting dissatisfied APC stakeholders ahead of the general elections. Political watchers say the opposition sees a rare opportunity to weaken the ruling party by exploiting grievances arising from the controversial primaries.

Beyond the immediate ticket losses, the Ondo primaries have also revived debate about internal democracy within major political parties. Critics argue that the widespread displacement of incumbents reflected not just voter rejection but also the growing influence of elite negotiations, succession calculations and power redistribution within party structures.

For many political actors in Ondo, the primaries may have formally ended, but insiders insist the real political struggle, involving reconciliation, defections, legal disputes and future succession alignments, is only beginning.

Governor Aiyedatiwa had initially backed consensus candidates and made his preference public at stakeholders’ meetings across the three senatorial districts. He also presented a list of preferred aspirants to the APC national secretariat.

The NWC rejected the list and directed that direct primaries be held where consensus could not be reached. Following the directive, the governor said Ondo APC would align with the decision. State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the state chapter “remains committed to abiding by the guidelines and internal democratic principles laid down by the national leadership of the APC.”

And future control of the state’s political machinery.

GOMBE: Primaries reshape power structure

Gombe State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections has been shaped by the conclusion of APC primaries, which reinforced the dominance of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s political structure but also exposed quiet tensions within the party. The primaries produced candidates for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions largely aligned with established APC blocs, leaving several aspirants dissatisfied over alleged consensus arrangements and delegate influence.

The APC governorship ticket ultimately went to Jamilu Gwamna, who emerged after a competitive internal process that reflected the party’s broader internal balancing between competing interests. While the exercise was largely controlled by the governor’s political machinery, the aftermath revealed pockets of discontent among aspirants who felt excluded from the final alignment process. This dissatisfaction has since translated into behind-the-scenes consultations and early repositioning ahead of the general elections.

A major development following the APC primaries was the political exit of Isa Ali Pantami from the APC’s governorship race in Gombe State, after failing to secure the party’s ticket. Pantami, a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and one of the prominent contenders in the APC governorship race, withdrew from the process amid concerns over fairness and internal arrangements within the party. His exit was widely interpreted as a rejection of the APC’s primary outcome and a turning point in his political trajectory in the state.

Following his withdrawal from the APC contest, Pantami subsequently joined the PDP, where he was quickly positioned as the party’s governorship candidate through a consensus-style process. His emergence as PDP flagbearer significantly altered the political equation in Gombe, transforming the PDP’s strategy from a multi-aspirant contest into a consolidated campaign around a high-profile candidate with national recognition.

The P’P’s decision to adopt Pantami as its candidate triggered mixed reactions within the party, with some aspirants accepting the consensus arrangement while others expressed dissatisfaction over the speed and method of his emergence. Despite internal reservations, the party moved to consolidate around his candidacy in a bid to strengthen its competitiveness against the APC in 2027.

Meanwhile, the APC remains structurally dominant in Gombe but is managing internal grievances arising from the primaries. Several legislative aspirants who lost out are maintaining quiet resistance, while some local power blocs are exploring negotiation pathways ahead of the general election. The party’s challenge now lies in balancing internal cohesion with managing dissatisfied stakeholders who feel sidelined in the ticket distribution process.

Across the political spectrum, smaller parties such as the NNPP, ADC, Labour Party and APM are also repositioning, but remain largely fragmented. Many are serving as alternative platforms for dissatisfied politicians or as bargaining spaces for future coalition negotiations rather than fully structured electoral competitors.

Overall, Gombe’s 2027 political environment is defined by a three-way dynamic: APC’s structural dominance, PDP’s consolidation around Pantami, and the fluid role of smaller parties in absorbing political grievances. Analysts say the real contest is no longer just about party primaries, but about how effectively each bloc manages defections, elite dissatisfaction and cross-party alliances ahead of the general elections. (Sunday Vanguard)

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