According to report by Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, tensions are rising within the ruling All Progressives Congress as efforts by some governors to impose consensus candidates for governorship and National Assembly tickets are facing strong resistance from several aspirants ahead of the party primaries.
Despite public endorsements of preferred candidates by some outgoing governors, many aspirants have continued to purchase and submit nomination forms, signaling their determination to contest rather than step down for consensus arrangements.
The growing opposition highlights cracks in the party’s internal candidate selection process as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule reportedly endorsed Senator Ahmed Wadada as the consensus governorship candidate. However, former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu and Dr. Fatima Abdullahi have rejected the arrangement, insisting on direct primaries.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasized that direct primaries would ensure fairness and reduce opportunities for manipulation.
A similar situation is unfolding in Yobe State, where former IGP Usman Alkali Baba submitted his nomination forms despite reports that Honourable Baba Wali had been adopted as the preferred consensus candidate.
Baba dismissed the arrangement, stating he was neither consulted nor involved in any agreement.
In Adamawa State, Dr. Salihu Bakar Girei also rejected any attempt to impose candidates, expressing confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would ensure a transparent process.
The controversy is equally intense in Gombe State, where Senators Muhammad Danjuma Goje and Saidu Ahmed Alkali have openly faulted the consensus arrangement announced by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Both lawmakers argued that the process violated provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which require written consent from all aspirants before adopting consensus candidates.
Defending the law, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that consensus is not compulsory.
He explained that where even one aspirant objects, direct primaries must be conducted, stressing that all candidates must still undergo a transparent endorsement process.
Meanwhile, the APC has extended the deadline for the sale and submission of nomination forms to May 6 and May 7 respectively, while screening of aspirants will now hold from May 8 to May 12, giving contestants more time to complete the process.