05/21/2026
Crisis Rocks APC as Tinubu Camp, Governors Clash Over Senate Primaries
Fresh crisis is rocking the All Progressives Congress APC after several controversial senatorial primaries reportedly went against candidates believed to have the backing of the Presidency.
According to reports, the APC National Working Committee NWC and powerful figures around the Presidential Villa are now considering moves to nullify results from multiple states following widespread complaints, parallel declarations, allegations of manipulation, violence, and internal sabotage.
The crisis reportedly exploded after governors in several states ignored what party insiders described as “signals” from Abuja and pushed through their own preferred candidates.
In Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu was reportedly believed to have the support of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, but internal party forces allegedly blocked the move.
In Delta Central, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo Agege was said to have enjoyed President Tinubu’s backing, yet state power blocs reportedly moved in another direction.
A similar situation reportedly played out in Bayelsa where former presidential aide Ben Murray Bruce was allegedly denied the expected advantage despite being viewed as Abuja’s preferred option.
The crisis also spread across Ondo, Ogun, Kogi, Kwara, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Rivers states with petitions, parallel results, violence, and accusations of imposed candidates dominating the process.
In Ondo Central, aggrieved aspirants reportedly described the primary as a “kangaroo process” after violence and gunshots disrupted voting.
In Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah accused forces loyal to Governor Ahmed Ododo of hijacking materials and intimidating supporters.
Meanwhile in Ogun State, lawmakers accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of conducting what they described as an “affirmation exercise” instead of a genuine primary election.
Amid the growing controversy, the APC National Secretariat has reportedly ordered that no result should be officially recognized until reviewed and verified in Abuja.
Party insiders say the move could provide the legal and procedural foundation for the NWC to overturn some outcomes and impose fresh candidates aligned with the party’s national leadership.
The development has exposed deep cracks within the ruling party as tensions rise between the Presidency and governors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political observers now believe the battle over these primaries could shape the future power structure of the APC and determine whether President Tinubu tightens his grip on the party or governors emerge as stronger independent power centres ahead of 2027.
_GCA