APC Holds Governorship Primaries in 28 States; Disputes Erupt in 10+ States Over Consensus Deals

The All Progressives Congress (APC) held governorship primaries across 28 states on May 21 in preparation for the 2027 election cycle. In Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda secured a unanimous consensus ticket with all 160 delegates supporting his return bid. In Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal emerged via consensus, avoiding a contested vote. However, primaries were marred by disputes in at least 10 states — including Kwara, Gombe, Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Lagos, Nasarawa, and Yobe — where aspirants rejected consensus arrangements and demanded direct primary ballots, citing fears of manipulation by party leadership. Rivers State held no APC primary following Governor Fubara's withdrawal the previous day. The APC's separate presidential primary was scheduled for May 23, with President Tinubu expected to secure the presidential ticket for a second term bid. The primaries represent a major test of APC's internal cohesion ahead of what is expected to be a competitive 2027 general election with a reunited opposition.