The All Progressives Congress is witnessing increasing internal contestations across several states as the ruling party transitions from its recently concluded national convention to early preparations for the 2027 general election.
The party held its national convention last weekend at Eagle Square in Abuja, where leaders and supporters projected unity and organisational strength. A key outcome of the gathering was the adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
With the convention now concluded, political activity within the APC has shifted to the states, where early signs of internal rivalry are beginning to surface ahead of party primaries. Observers note that reforms such as the introduction of digital membership registers and stricter timelines for primaries have accelerated mobilisation among competing factions.
In Ogun State, succession politics is gradually taking centre stage as Governor Dapo Abiodun approaches the final phase of his second term. Attention has turned to potential contenders positioning themselves for the governorship race.
Among them is Solomon Adeola, the senator representing Ogun West and chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is widely regarded as a leading aspirant and has intensified grassroots mobilisation, including recent activities during local congresses in Yewa South.
Supporters from Ogun West have continued to advocate for power rotation to the district, arguing that it has not produced a governor since the state’s creation in 1976. Adeola’s ambition is also believed to enjoy the backing of Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader.
However, his growing influence has reportedly unsettled political blocs in the Egba and Ijebu zones, where stakeholders are said to be exploring the possibility of rallying behind a consensus “home-grown” candidate. Concerns have also been raised in some quarters over Adeola’s political roots in Lagos State prior to his emergence in Ogun politics.
There are indications that Governor Abiodun may lend support to alternative aspirants, including Adesola Elegbeji and the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi. Despite the ongoing manoeuvring, insiders suggest that Adeola may soon formally declare his intention to contest.
In neighbouring Lagos State, political permutations ahead of 2027 are also generating significant attention. With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu set to complete his second term, discussions around succession have intensified.
One of the names drawing public interest is Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu, following calls by some youth groups urging him to join the governorship race. While he has not formally declared any intention, his potential candidacy has sparked debate within political circles.
Other prominent figures being mentioned include Tokunbo Abiru, who represents Lagos East in the Senate, and Femi Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives currently serving as Chief of Staff to the President.
Also linked to possible ambitions are the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. Analysts suggest that the eventual candidate may emerge after extensive consultations with the influential Governor’s Advisory Council, widely regarded as a key decision-making bloc within Lagos APC politics.
In Delta State, recent developments have significantly altered the internal dynamics of the APC. The defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with several lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party, has reshaped the party’s structure in the state.
Observers say the development has weakened the faction previously aligned with Ovie Omo-Agege, creating new alignments and competition for influence within the party.
Although party leaders have maintained that recent congresses in Delta were conducted peacefully, some stakeholders have raised concerns over the process, alleging that delegate lists were harmonised behind closed doors rather than through transparent voting procedures.
Political analysts believe that the evolving rivalries in Ogun, Lagos, and Delta states could play a decisive role in shaping the APC’s internal cohesion and electoral strategy as the 2027 general election approaches.
As the ruling party navigates these early contestations, the challenge will be balancing internal democracy with unity, ensuring that emerging ambitions do not undermine its broader political objectives.
