APC Primaries 2027: Governors Retain Tickets, Fubara’s Withdrawal Sparks Debate
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its governorship primaries across 28 states, setting the stage for the 2027 general elections. While most incumbent governors secured their party’s tickets for a second term, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s withdrawal from the race stole the spotlight, raising questions about political tensions in the state.
Fubara, who cited the need for “peace, stability, and unity” in Rivers, announced his decision just hours before the primaries commenced. His statement hinted at underlying political friction, particularly with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Fubara emphasized that his choice was rooted in wisdom rather than weakness, stating, “Not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace.” In his absence, Kingsley Chinda emerged as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate after polling 268,497 votes unopposed.
The primaries, held on Thursday, saw mixed outcomes across the country. While 23 candidates were successfully selected, logistical challenges and disagreements delayed the process in several states. In Kwara and Bauchi, the APC leadership failed to reach a consensus, forcing a postponement. Similarly, in Nasarawa, late arrival of electoral materials disrupted proceedings, with officials promising to complete the exercise by Friday. Plateau and Adamawa states also faced delays, with their primaries still ongoing as of press time.
Notably, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat made history by becoming the first deputy governor to secure the APC governorship ticket in the state. Hamzat secured a landslide victory with 657,917 votes, defeating his sole opponent, Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal, who managed just one vote. Hamzat’s win came after several aspirants, including Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) and Samuel Ajose, withdrew from the race. In his acceptance speech, Hamzat thanked President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their support.
In Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola clinched the APC ticket, polling 304,055 votes against Abayomi Hunye, who scored zero. Adeola’s victory was backed by Governor Dapo Abiodun, who argued that zoning the ticket to Ogun West was necessary to address a historical imbalance—the district has not produced a governor in nearly 50 years.
Meanwhile, Oyo State witnessed a heated contest, with Senator Sharafadeen Alli emerging victorious. Alli secured 578,143 votes, defeating Senator Fatai Buhari and former Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, who trailed with 37,265 and 19,193 votes, respectively.
In Gombe, Jamilu Gwamna emerged as the APC candidate after polling 247,161 votes. However, the exercise was marred by controversy as former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, walked out in protest, citing concerns about the integrity of the process. Pantami, who garnered 12,120 votes, declared he had no confidence in the primary’s fairness.
In the North-east, Borno State saw Mustapha Gubio affirmed as the APC candidate, with Governor Babagana Zulum attributing his victory to “divine will.” Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas also secured his party’s ticket, following the withdrawal of frontline aspirant David Kente.
Across the North-west, all incumbent APC governors were affirmed as consensus candidates for 2027. Kaduna Governor Uba Sani garnered 459,393 votes, while Katsina’s Dikko Umaru Radda and Kebbi’s Nasir Idris were similarly affirmed by party stakeholders.
In Niger State, Governor Umaru Bago was declared the sole APC candidate, while Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia defeated two challengers with a commanding 367,786 votes.
The South-south and South-east regions also saw incumbent governors retain their tickets. Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno, and Cross River’s Bassey Otu were all affirmed through statewide exercises. In Enugu and Ebonyi, Governors Peter Mbah and Francis Nwifuru secured their party’s nominations.
As the APC navigates these primaries, the focus now shifts to the 2027 general elections, with the party aiming to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s ruling party. However, the challenges faced during the primaries—logistical hiccups, withdrawals, and protests—highlight the complexities of managing a diverse political landscape.
— Reported by Nexio News
