Abuja, Nigeria – A fresh and potentially devastating crisis has erupted within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as a new faction has openly challenged the party’s national leadership, further exposing deep-seated divisions and raising serious questions about the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.
The development, which came to a head on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. What began as simmering discontent has now escalated into an open confrontation between two rival camps, threatening the internal cohesion of the party that has governed Nigeria since 2015. Political analysts warn that if left unresolved, the rift could significantly weaken the APC’s chances of retaining power at the centre in the next presidential poll.
The crisis reportedly intensified after a high-level reconciliation meeting initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu failed to achieve any breakthrough. The meeting, intended to douse rising tensions within the party’s top hierarchy, instead laid bare the extent of the divisions, paving the way for the emergence of a parallel leadership structure that is now laying claim to the soul of the party.
According to sources close to the unfolding drama, the dispute had been brewing for several days but reached a dramatic climax when attempts at compromise between the two opposing groups collapsed. The faction loyal to the current National Chairman, Mr. Nentawe Yilwatda, allegedly made a staggering financial offer of 40 billion naira to the rival group led by Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi in a desperate bid to resolve the impasse and restore unity. However, the offer was outrightly rejected, dealing a severe blow to hopes of an amicable settlement and widening the gulf between the two sides.
Insiders familiar with the matter told journalists that the disagreement centres on issues of legitimacy, control of party structures, and influence over critical decisions ahead of future elections. The lingering feud is now seen as a major threat to the APC’s ability to present a united front, especially as the party looks towards consolidating its hold on power amid growing opposition strength from parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).
“There are genuine fears that this crisis could derail the APC’s preparation for 2027,” a senior party stakeholder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed. “If the leadership question is not urgently addressed, it may affect the party’s capacity to field a credible presidential candidate and mobilise effectively across the country.”
Legal fireworks are now on the horizon. Indications suggest that the matter is headed for the courts, with moves already underway to challenge the legitimacy of the existing National Working Committee (NWC). There are also strong indications that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could be dragged into the controversy, particularly if a court order compels the electoral body to review or withdraw its recognition of one of the factions.
When contacted, officials from the camp loyal to Nentawe Yilwatda admitted that a crisis exists but declined to offer detailed comments. They also refused to address allegations that some influential state governors within the APC are allegedly backing efforts to unseat the current leadership. The silence from this camp has only fuelled speculations and heightened anxiety within party circles.
In contrast, the rival faction has been more vocal. In a strongly worded press release issued on Wednesday, Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi firmly asserted her position as the authentic Chairperson of the APC and announced her intention to seek judicial intervention.
The full statement reads:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
I, Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi, hereby assert my position as the true and authentic Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In light of recent developments within the party, I will be approaching the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the legitimacy of the current leadership. This action seeks to unseat what I consider an illegitimate structure presently overseeing the affairs of our great party.
Furthermore, I will be requesting the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discontinue recognition of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mr. Nentawe Yilwatda. This step is necessary to uphold the rule of law, protect the integrity of our party, and ensure that due process is followed in its leadership.
Thank you.
Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi
APC Chairperson
The release has further polarised the party, with both factions now digging in their heels and maintaining uncompromising stances on their respective claims to authority. Political observers note that such public assertions of parallel leadership are rare in Nigeria’s political history and often signal deeper governance and power-sharing challenges.
This latest crisis is not entirely unexpected. The APC has a chequered history of internal wrangling, from the contentious 2018-2019 leadership tussles to the more recent disputes over state congresses and zoning arrangements. However, the timing of this particular rift – barely two years to the next general elections – has amplified concerns among party faithful and neutral analysts alike.
Experts argue that prolonged leadership crises often lead to defections, weakened grassroots mobilisation, and loss of public confidence. “The APC cannot afford to go into 2027 divided,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a political scientist at the University of Abuja. “Voters are increasingly sophisticated, and any perception of instability within the ruling party could be exploited by the opposition. The President’s intervention may still be needed to pull the party back from the brink.”
As of the time of this report, frantic behind-the-scenes efforts to broker peace continue, but results remain elusive. Key stakeholders, including some state governors and prominent party elders, are said to be working tirelessly to prevent further escalation. However, with legal proceedings now imminent, the coming weeks promise to be decisive for the future of Nigeria’s ruling party.
The implications extend beyond the APC. A weakened ruling party could reshape the political equation in Nigeria, potentially opening new opportunities for opposition parties while also raising questions about policy continuity and national stability.
Political watchers will be closely monitoring developments in the coming days, particularly any court filings, responses from INEC, and possible interventions from the presidency. For now, the APC finds itself once again at a critical crossroads, where its ability to manage internal contradictions will determine its strength as it faces the electorate in 2027.
The party that rode to power on the promise of change must now confront the urgent task of changing itself from within. Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences not just for the APC, but for Nigeria’s democratic journey as a whole.
