The All Progressives Congress opens its doors today for a critical test of internal unity as party members conduct governorship primaries nationwide.
Tension is high across the country. Deep rifts have surfaced among governors, ministers, lawmakers, and party elders battling for control ahead of 2027.
Succession wars dominate the race in multiple states. Outgoing governors are aggressively backing handpicked successors to maintain their political grip after leaving office.
Kwara State remains a powder keg. Over 10 aspirants plan to challenge Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's favored pick, Yahaya Seriki, despite some withdrawals from the race.
Nasarawa presents similar chaos. Aspirants are directly confronting Governor Abdullahi Sule's choice, Senator Ahmed Wadada, in what promises to be contentious.
Lagos shows a different pattern. Multiple contenders have begun coalescing around Obafemi Hamzat as negotiations intensify among the elite.
Bauchi's field is crowded. Yusuf Tuggar, the former Foreign Affairs Minister, competes against Senator Shehu Buba Umar and ex-Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.
Oyo State boasts heavyweight contenders too. Adebayo Adelabu, former Power Minister, faces Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Akeem Agbaje, and Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin in the race.
Adamawa has drawn seven serious competitors. Abdulrazak Namdas, Mustapha Salihu, Senator Aminu Abbas, Abdurahaman Haske, Felix Tangwami, Joel Madaki, and Bello Ibrahim all seek the ticket.
Abia's contest involves four major players. Mascot Uzor-Kalu, Henry Ikoh, Martins Azubuike, and Opah Chinemeucheya are locked in fierce competition.
Benue State's race includes Mathias Byuan, Kuraun Isaac, Akutah Ukeyima, and Terwase Orbunde. They're all challenging incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia's influence.
Gombe's battle pits Senator Sa'id Alkali against Governor Inuwa Yahaya's anointed successor, Jamil Gwamna.
In Plateau State, retired military officer Yilcini Bida dismissed claims he'd stepped aside for Governor Caleb Mutfwang. His statement signals the race remains wide open.
Some first-term governors who defected from the PDP enjoy consensus status. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Abba Yusuf of Kano, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom fit this category.
But imposition allegations threaten the process. Aspirants across states accuse powerful figures of manipulating delegate lists and screening to favor preferred candidates.
Angry protests have erupted in some locations. Parallel meetings and legal threats underscore the deep frustration among marginalized contenders.
A major fault line divides the party on procedure. APC leadership has pushed consensus arrangements to reduce internal conflict.
Not everyone accepts this approach. Many aspirants insist on competitive primaries where candidates face delegates directly.
Today's exercise will reveal which faction prevails. The outcomes will shape party dynamics for years ahead.
