The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections have produced dramatic political outcomes across several states, with incumbent governors securing return tickets, influential political loyalists emerging victorious, and fresh power blocs taking shape within the ruling party.
The exercises, conducted across the country amid heightened political tension and intense lobbying, have also exposed cracks within the APC in some states, as aggrieved aspirants raised concerns over alleged imposition, consensus arrangements and irregularities.
In Lagos State, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat emerged as the APC governorship candidate after polling 657,917 votes in the primary election. His victory followed strategic endorsements by major party stakeholders and the withdrawal of some aspirants from the race.
In Kwara State, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Salihu Danladi, clinched the APC governorship ticket after defeating other contenders with 94,990 votes. His emergence is seen by political observers as a major consolidation of influence within the state chapter of the party.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia also secured the APC ticket for a second term after recording a landslide victory in the primary with 367,786 votes, reinforcing his dominance in the state’s political structure.
In Yobe State, former Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, emerged victorious with 236,711 votes, defeating other aspirants to become the APC flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election.
The APC primary in Oyo State produced Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the party’s governorship candidate after reportedly sweeping votes across the 33 local government areas of the state.
In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori secured affirmation as the APC governorship candidate through a consensus arrangement that saw delegates overwhelmingly endorse his candidacy.
Borno State also adopted a consensus model, leading to the emergence of Mustapha Gubio as the APC governorship candidate after consultations among party leaders and stakeholders.
Similarly, Governors Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State and Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State all secured return tickets through affirmation and consensus arrangements.
One of the major talking points of the primaries emerged from Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly withdrew from the APC governorship primary, fueling speculations over ongoing political realignments in the oil-rich state.
Despite the largely successful conduct of the exercises in many states, protests and disagreements were recorded in some chapters of the party, with aspirants and supporters alleging manipulation of delegate lists and imposition of preferred candidates.
Political analysts believe the outcomes of the APC governorship primaries have significantly reshaped the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in states where internal rivalries and shifting alliances could influence the party’s electoral fortunes.
Party leaders, however, described the primaries as peaceful and transparent, insisting that the exercises reflected the wishes of party members across the federation.
