Nigeria TV Info 

APC Governorship Primaries: 23 Candidates Emerge as Fubara Withdraws, Pantami Protests

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its governorship primaries across most states ahead of the 2027 general elections, producing 23 candidates amid controversies, withdrawals, and protests from key party figures. The exercise exposed deep divisions within the ruling party as consensus arrangements, postponements, and allegations of imposition dominated proceedings nationwide.

One of the biggest surprises came from Siminalayi Fubara, who withdrew from the Rivers State governorship primary just hours before voting commenced. In a statement, Fubara explained that his decision was made in the interest of peace, unity, and political stability in Rivers State. His withdrawal followed months of political tension involving loyalists of former Rivers governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Former APC governorship aspirant Tonye Cole also stepped down from the race, citing the need for party unity after consultations with APC national leaders. The withdrawals reportedly strengthened the position of House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who emerged as a leading contender in Rivers politics.

Across the country, APC governors in several states secured automatic or consensus tickets for second terms, while the primaries in Kwara and Bauchi states were postponed after party leaders failed to agree on consensus candidates. Confusion intensified in Kwara following reports that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq changed support from businessman Yahaya Seriki to Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, creating tension among party stakeholders.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami reportedly protested against alleged irregularities and consensus arrangements in parts of the APC primary process, warning against actions capable of weakening internal democracy within the party.

The primaries were not held in states with off-cycle governorship elections, including Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, Osun, and Bayelsa. In Nasarawa, electoral materials arrived late, disrupting the process and forcing party officials to extend voting.

Political observers say the APC primaries have revealed growing internal battles ahead of the 2027 elections, with disputes over candidate imposition, zoning arrangements, and loyalty to powerful party figures likely to shape the party’s future campaigns nationwide.