Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress as the party prepares to roll out its timetable for the 2027 general elections, reinforcing fears of a looming internal crisis that could destabilize the ruling party ahead of the polls.
Investigations by Daily Sun indicate that the latest tension stems from sharp disagreements among key blocs within the party — including the national leadership, the presidency, the Progressive Governors Forum, and members of the National Assembly of Nigeria — over the controversial issue of automatic return tickets for elected officials.
The dispute, which has disrupted what many described as a fragile internal balance, had long been anticipated by political observers as a potential flashpoint. For many governors who previously defected to the APC, assurances of automatic tickets reportedly played a major role in their decision to join the party.
Similarly, federal lawmakers have consistently pushed for the same privilege, arguing that it would ensure continuity in legislative work and stability within the system.
However, a senior party source in Abuja revealed that the governors’ forum is advocating for control over the distribution of nomination forms, effectively giving them influence over who emerges as candidates. This position has been strongly opposed by APC lawmakers, who fear that such an arrangement would leave them at the mercy of state governors.
According to Daily Sun, many legislators are concerned that governors could withhold nomination forms from them and instead favor loyalists, thereby jeopardizing their chances of returning to office. This growing mistrust has deepened divisions within the party’s ranks.
The implications of the standoff are particularly significant in politically sensitive states like Rivers State and Lagos State. In Rivers, the situation is further complicated by the ongoing political rivalry between Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Analysts warn that the party’s current direction could intensify the conflict, especially as Wike’s political camp is reportedly opposed to granting Fubara a second-term ticket.
Observers note that the unfolding scenario poses a major test for the presidency’s handling of the Rivers crisis. There are growing concerns that internal disagreements over candidate selection could derail efforts to maintain party unity and secure electoral victories.
Given Rivers State’s complex political structure, where consensus-building has historically been difficult, the current developments risk triggering a broader crisis. Analysts believe that even if tensions surrounding the governorship ticket are managed, disputes over nominations for the State House of Assembly could spark another round of conflict.
Overall, the ongoing power struggle within the APC is seen by many as a ticking time bomb that, if not carefully managed, could lead to significant internal fractures both at the state and national levels as the party heads into a crucial election cycle.