Agitations for the adoption of direct primaries in the selection of candidates for the 2027 general elections are gaining momentum across major political parties in Nigeria, as growing resistance to consensus arrangements threatens to deepen internal crises in several states.
The development comes amid increasing complaints by party members and aspirants who allege that consensus candidacies are being used by influential political figures and governors to impose preferred candidates ahead of party primaries.
Investigations across various states indicate that pressure is mounting on party leaderships to embrace direct primaries as a more transparent and democratic process capable of giving all aspirants equal opportunities to contest.
Political tensions have already emerged in states including Nasarawa, Ogun, Edo, Kano, Kaduna, and Kogi, where disagreements over consensus candidacies are generating protests, factional divisions, and accusations of political exclusion.
In Bauchi State, stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly agreed during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting to adopt direct primaries in future elections to avoid a repeat of previous internal disputes that affected the party.
Sources at the meeting disclosed that party leaders resolved to abandon consensus arrangements and allow registered members to determine candidates through direct voting.
According to one of the participants, stakeholders believed direct primaries would strengthen transparency, fairness, and wider participation within the party.
“The feeling among stakeholders is that direct primaries will give every aspirant equal opportunity and make the process more credible because the outcome will be visible to everyone,” the source said.
The source further stated that party leaders were optimistic that direct primaries would reduce post-primary litigation and improve unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
The meeting was attended by federal lawmakers, former governors, APC state executives, local government party chairmen, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, and other stakeholders.
In Nasarawa State, supporters of former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, have openly resisted alleged plans by Governor Abdullahi Sule to adopt Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred successor through consensus.
Supporters of Adamu have staged several protests in Lafia, demanding a level playing field and insisting that all aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity through direct primaries.
Similarly, the APC in Ogun State is experiencing growing tension over attempts to adopt consensus arrangements for key elective positions.
The situation has reportedly generated heated meetings and protests in several local government areas, especially in Abeokuta and other strategic political blocs.
Party stakeholders and youth groups accused influential figures within the party of sidelining popular aspirants in favour of loyalists.
While many members appear united behind Senator Adeola Solomon as governorship candidate, intense battles are ongoing for the Ogun Central and Ogun East Senatorial District tickets.
Among those seeking tickets are former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Shuaib Salisu, former Senator Olugbenga Obadara, Dr. Olamide Talabi Philips, Chief Yemi Oke (SAN), and Dr. Emmanuel Olusola Soyoola.
The contest for Ogun East has reportedly pitched Governor Dapo Abiodun against former Governor Gbenga Daniel in a bitter political struggle.
In Edo State, many APC aspirants seeking seats in the State House of Assembly have rejected any suggestion of consensus candidacies after paying about N6 million each for nomination and expression of interest forms.
Political tension is also rising in Edo South Senatorial District, where Governor Monday Okpebholo is allegedly backing Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama against Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and incumbent Senator Neda Imasuen.
Former House of Representatives member Hon. Johnson Oghuma has also entered the race for the Estako Federal Constituency seat against alleged preferred aspirants Blessing Agbomerhe and incumbent lawmaker Anamero Dekeri.
In Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri assured aspirants that no one would be denied participation in the party process, while emphasizing the need to respect zoning arrangements where applicable.
Diri stated that direct primaries would be conducted wherever consensus could not be achieved.
“We are in the political season, and I like the way it is going because nobody is forcing anyone,” the governor said.
“For some obvious reasons, such as zoning, we spoke to some people and advised that where you have, for instance, a House of Assembly member that has served just a term, he should be allowed to return except otherwise. If there is no consensus, the party has directed that we have direct primaries,” he added.
The Presidential Supervision Team has reportedly recommended the adoption of direct primaries where consensus arrangements fail to gain acceptance.
In Lagos State, however, the atmosphere within the APC remains relatively calm following the endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat by major stakeholders for the governorship race.
Despite the endorsement, Hamzat declared his readiness to participate in primaries.
Speaking after his screening in Abuja, Hamzat stated that he remained confident in the democratic process within the APC.
“The screening was designed to verify the credentials, records, and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to fly the APC flag,” he said.
“I am very comfortable with my party and confident in the democratic process. Ultimately, the decision rests with party members and the people.”
In Kano State, stakeholders have already endorsed Governor Abba Yusuf for a second term, while Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau is facing stiff opposition for the APC senatorial ticket in Kano North.
Former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo is challenging Barau for the ticket.
In Kano Central, businessman Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, is set to battle former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Alhaji Shaman Sharada.
Supporters of AA Zaura recently staged protests against alleged plans to hand the ticket to Shekarau.
Meanwhile, Senator Kawu Suleiman Abdurrahaman, who defected from the NNPP to the APC, has reportedly emerged as consensus candidate for Kano Central.
In Kaduna State, consensus arrangements have generated varying reactions.
While aspirants in Kaduna North reportedly stepped down for former Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, tensions remain high in Kaduna Central and Kaduna South.
Former Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani and former northern youth leader Yerima Shettima have rejected the endorsement of former Senator Shehu Sani.
Likewise, the adoption of incumbent Senator Sunday Marshall Katung in Kaduna South has been challenged by former Senator Danjuma La’ah and Engineer Mike Auta.
Observers say the growing disagreements across states indicate that consensus arrangements may worsen divisions if not properly managed.
In Kogi State, former Governor Yahaya Bello is preparing to challenge APC Diaspora Secretary Momoh Obaro for the Kogi Central Senatorial District ticket.
The APC also continues to screen aspirants across the country ahead of the primaries.
Those recently cleared include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Prof. Isa Pantami, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Yusuf Buhari, son of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Prof. Pantami, while speaking after his screening, stressed the importance of internal democracy and fairness.
“Internal democracy and internal justice are very important to the survival of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
“Any person with an interest or bias should not be in charge of the primaries. This is crucial for the survival of the APC.”
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, dismissed concerns over opposition threats ahead of 2027.
Uzodimma maintained that the APC remained the strongest political party in the country, citing the large number of APC-controlled states and elected officials nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has elected Prince Adewole Adebayo as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Adebayo emerged unopposed during the party’s national convention held in Bauchi.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is also expected to present his presidential nomination forms at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Abuja.
In the Labour Party, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has received a free governorship nomination form from the party’s National Working Committee in recognition of his performance in office.
As political parties intensify preparations for 2027, analysts believe the battle between direct primaries and consensus arrangements may shape the internal stability and electoral fortunes of major parties in the months ahead.
