I'm glad APC lawmakers who made that electoral act against Nigerians are now first victims-Abdullahi -

The post-primary crisis in the ruling All Progressives Congress has continued to expose growing divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite its dominance across the country.

According to GUARDIAN, complaints over alleged imposition of candidates, manipulated screening exercises, altered membership lists and controversial consensus arrangements have fuelled dissatisfaction among aspirants and party members in states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Kaduna and Ogun.

Although party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, repeatedly assured members of fairness, reconciliation and internal conflict resolution, many aggrieved aspirants accused governors and influential politicians of hijacking the primaries.

The report stated that some aspirants withdrew from the race after pressure from governors, promises of future appointments or fear of disqualification during screening processes believed to favour preferred candidates. Others were reportedly forced out by the financial demands associated with direct primaries.

The growing tension has raised fears that unresolved grievances could trigger anti-party activities, legal disputes and protest votes capable of weakening the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The withdrawal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the APC governorship contest also generated political tension, with observers linking the move to the lingering Rivers political crisis and his strained relationship with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

The report further noted that controversial provisions in the Electoral Act 2026, particularly those concerning direct primaries and consensus candidacies, further complicated the party’s internal processes.

President Tinubu was also reported to have supported APC governors by allowing them to supervise party primaries in their respective states, while lawmakers reportedly failed in their efforts to secure automatic return tickets.

See also Veteran Nollywood actor Ugezu J. Ugezu has addressed public assumptions about his financial status, clarifying that he has never portrayed himself as a wealthy individual or someone who lives an extravagant lifestyle. The filmmaker made this known in a statement shared via his Instagram page, @ugezujugezu, where he stated that he has never told anyone that he is a “moneybag” or someone who makes excessive wealth. He stressed that he has never bragged about money at any point in his life and has not engaged in any venture that mysteriously funnels large sums into his account. Ugezu explained that he lives a life of modest income while carrying heavy responsibilities. According to him, beyond his immediate family, he also supports an extended family, friends, and relatives who depend on him in different ways, describing these obligations as real, constant, and demanding. He further addressed the issue of financial demands, noting that some individuals resort to insults or name-calling when their requests cannot be met. Using a metaphor, he stated that “the head is not always as big as the load it carries,” emphasising that many personal burdens are not visible to the public. The veteran filmmaker added that when he does not respond to a request, it should be understood as an indication that he is overwhelmed by personal responsibilities, expenses, and challenges, rather than an act of disregard. He condemned the use of abusive or negative language, especially in private or hidden spaces. Ugezu maintained that those who truly know him understand that he does not hesitate to help when he genuinely has the means to do so, adding that he has never turned away from responsibility out of pride or wickedness. He concluded his message with a call for empathy and fairness, urging people to be guided, humane, and just in their dealings with others.

As the primaries approached, tension and uncertainty reportedly intensified within the party, especially among lawmakers worried about losing their tickets. Reports later indicated that about 70 APC lawmakers lost their return tickets during the exercise.

Speaking to The Guardian, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the APC had become trapped by the same political framework it allegedly created.

He said the African Democratic Congress was benefiting politically from the confusion within the APC, adding that the ruling party had fallen victim to the same political trap it initially intended for opposition parties.

According to him, aspects of the Electoral Act, alongside the increasing reliance on direct primaries and consensus arrangements, were originally designed as political tools to weaken opposition parties but had now begun causing internal rebellion and dissatisfaction within the APC itself.

“And I’m also glad that many of the National Assembly members who conspired to make that Electoral Act against the wishes of the Nigerian people are now the first victims of that same Electoral Act,” he added.

Abdullahi further suggested that recent judicial interpretations weakening restrictions surrounding defections could open the door for dissatisfied APC members seeking alternative political platforms ahead of 2027.

“We are hoping that many of them who are unable to fit into their own party arrangements would come to us. I think the opposition parties would benefit from the chaos going on in the APC,” he stated….See More