President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the authority to determine how party primaries will be conducted in their respective states ahead of upcoming elections.
The development was disclosed following a high-level meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where key stakeholders within the ruling party gathered to deliberate on internal party processes and preparations for future electoral contests.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Umar Bago confirmed that the president had issued clear directives empowering APC governors to take charge of primary election arrangements within their states. According to him, the move signals a significant shift in the party’s internal decision-making structure and underscores the president’s confidence in the governors.
Bago explained that the governors used the opportunity of the meeting to express appreciation to Tinubu for what he described as continued support and leadership within the party.
“We came to thank the President for his magnanimity and his support to the governors and for our party, the APC,” he said.
He further revealed that the president had effectively ceded authority over the conduct of primaries to the governors, allowing them to determine the most suitable method in line with existing legal frameworks. The options available, he noted, include consensus arrangements or direct primaries, both of which are recognised under Nigeria’s electoral laws.
“President Tinubu gave us some marching orders on what to do, for him also to have given and ceded his executive power to governors to go ahead and conduct primaries based on the electoral act, either by consensus or direct primaries.
“So he reiterated his support for our decision and he has given us a go ahead,” Bago added.
The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the APC’s internal dynamics, particularly as the party begins early preparations for future elections. By granting governors greater control over the process, the party leadership appears to be decentralising authority and placing more responsibility on state-level actors.
Political observers note that the move could strengthen the influence of governors within the party, as they will now play a more decisive role in determining candidates for elective positions. This, they say, may also impact internal party negotiations, alliances, and the balance of power among stakeholders.
At the same time, analysts point out that the approach could help reduce tensions that often arise during primary elections, especially when there are disagreements over the mode of selection. Allowing governors to adopt methods best suited to their local contexts may provide flexibility and improve coordination within the party.
However, some stakeholders have expressed concerns that increased control by governors could lead to accusations of imposition or marginalisation of certain aspirants, particularly in states where internal party divisions exist. They argue that transparency and adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act will be critical in ensuring credibility and fairness in the process.
The APC has, in previous election cycles, grappled with disputes arising from its primary elections, including legal challenges and internal conflicts that affected its performance in some areas. The latest directive is therefore seen as an attempt to streamline the process and avoid past pitfalls.
For Tinubu, the decision may also reflect a broader strategy of consolidating party unity by empowering key political figures at the state level. Governors are widely regarded as influential actors within Nigeria’s political landscape, often playing a central role in mobilising support and shaping electoral outcomes.
By entrusting them with the responsibility of organising primaries, the president appears to be reinforcing their importance within the party’s structure while also encouraging accountability.
As preparations for the next round of elections gather momentum, attention will likely focus on how individual states implement the directive and whether the process will enhance cohesion within the APC or trigger new internal challenges.
For now, the president’s decision marks a notable shift in the party’s approach to candidate selection, with governors set to play a pivotal role in determining the APC’s electoral fortunes in the coming years.
