A major internal crisis has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following disputed senatorial primaries across several states, exposing deep divisions between the Presidential Villa and state governors over control of party structures.
The dispute has created a growing confrontation between the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and governors who allegedly defied political signals from the presidency in determining senatorial candidates.
At the centre of the controversy is a series of primary elections in which candidates reportedly backed by the Presidential Villa were either defeated or replaced by nominees preferred by state governors.
The crisis has now escalated into allegations of violence, manipulation, and procedural irregularities across multiple states.
In states such as Edo State, Delta State, and Bayelsa State, competing factions within the APC produced conflicting outcomes, intensifying tensions within the party hierarchy.
Reports indicated that internal disagreements over senatorial tickets in these states have further widened mistrust between governors and the national leadership.
In Edo State, party insiders say backing for a preferred senatorial aspirant from the presidential circle clashed with decisions taken by the state structure.
In Delta State, similar tensions emerged as gubernatorial influence reportedly shaped the outcome of the senatorial primary process, overriding perceived preferences from Abuja.
In Bayelsa State, disputes over candidate selection further deepened divisions within the party’s local and national structures.
The crisis has also spread to other states including Ondo State, where senatorial primaries were reportedly disrupted by violence and allegations of manipulation, prompting petitions from aggrieved aspirants.
In Ogun State, party members and lawmakers have accused state leadership of conducting a flawed affirmation process rather than a transparent primary election.
Further disputes were reported in Kogi State, Kwara State, and Taraba State, where allegations of irregularities, intimidation, and procedural manipulation were raised by aspirants and party stakeholders.
In Kogi State, an incumbent senator rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging interference and intimidation of supporters during the process.
In Kwara State, confusion reportedly surrounded candidate listings, leading to disputes over the legitimacy of the exercise.
In Taraba State, youth groups and local stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with screening outcomes that favoured sitting lawmakers.
Party sources say similar tensions are also being monitored in Nasarawa State, Plateau State, and Rivers State, where competing factions continue to challenge internal party decisions.
The National Working Committee is reportedly reviewing outcomes from affected states and considering possible intervention powers, including the nullification or adjustment of disputed results.
Ahead of the primaries, the APC national secretariat had issued directives warning against unauthorised announcements of results and insisting that all outcomes must be reviewed and approved by the national leadership.
The directive was intended to ensure procedural control but has now become a central reference point in the ongoing dispute.
Political analysts say the crisis reflects a broader struggle within the APC between central authority from the presidency and the autonomy of state governors who control party structures on the ground.
They warn that how the party resolves the dispute could determine its internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC now faces mounting pressure to reconcile competing power blocs and restore confidence in its internal democratic processes.
