Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress has pushed back its House of Representatives primary election by one day. Party officials announced the change late Thursday, moving the contest from Friday to Saturday.
Felix Morka, the APC's national publicity secretary, confirmed the postponement in a statement. He gave no detailed reason for the delay.
Aspirants across multiple constituencies complained about the timing. Many said the party hadn't released final lists of cleared candidates in areas where consensus deals fell apart.
The uncertainty has sparked fresh questions within party ranks. Some fear disqualifications and backroom dealings ahead of 2027 election preparations.
One major flashpoint involves Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his APC ticket prospects. Conflicting reports suggest he may—or may not—get clearance for the May 21 governorship primary.
Senior party officials told BusinessDay that powerful figures inside APC want to block Fubara's re-election bid. One insider alleged recent talks between party chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and Nyesom Wike centered on stopping the governor.
"The APC leadership is scheming not to grant Fubara a second-term ticket," the official said. He linked the move to the governor's ongoing political war with Wike over Rivers control.
But another APC source painted a different picture entirely. According to him, party leadership decided not to deny any first-term governor seeking re-election their primary chance.
"What I can confirm is that the governor has been cleared and will participate in the primary," this source noted.
Fubara switched from the Peoples Democratic Party to APC last year. His defection followed a bitter power struggle with Wike over party structures in Rivers State.
When Fubara joined the APC, Yilwatda promised strong party backing for his 2027 re-election if he wins the ticket. That commitment now faces serious questions.
Party insiders remain divided on whether leadership will honor that pledge. The confusion reflects deeper tensions within APC ranks heading into crucial primary elections.
