The All Progressives Congress (APC) hosted its National Convention last weekend at Eagles Square in Abuja.
Party supporters celebrated the event as a showcase of unity, strength, and readiness to govern, especially after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was adopted as the party’s sole presidential candidate. Observers say the peaceful and inclusive convention highlighted the APC’s ability to handle internal differences and present a united front.
But as attention shifts from the National Convention and state congresses to primaries for various elective positions, internal rivalries are emerging in several states. New rules like mandatory digital membership registers and tighter primary timelines have forced factions to consolidate early, sparking friction in Ogun, Delta, Lagos, Zamfara, and other states.
Ogun State Faces Gubernatorial Power Struggle
Ogun State is turning into a key battleground as Governor Dapo Abiodun’s second term nears its end. Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has been active at the grassroots, showing strong organizational skills during local congresses in Yewa South. His growing influence has sparked debate over whether the governorship should finally shift to Ogun West, a region that has never produced a governor since 1976.
Groups like the Ogun West Initiative are pushing for a micro-zoning approach, framing 2027 as a matter of justice. Senator Adeola, seen as the frontline candidate for this push, enjoys support from high-profile allies such as Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. Yet, some Egba and Ijebu elites are wary of his Lagos-to-Ogun political move and are backing local candidates. Governor Abiodun is reportedly considering alternatives like Adesola Elegbeji or Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi to protect his inner circle.
Despite these tensions, sources indicate Adeola plans to publicly declare his gubernatorial ambition soon after the convention, positioning him as a formidable contender among 11 men and four women vying for the seat. Party insiders suggest the national leadership favors him for the Ogun ticket.
Cold War in Kwara State
In Kwara, tensions are rising from a cold war between Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration and remnants of the original Otoge movement. With the governor’s term ending, factions are accusing each other of inflating delegate lists to influence direct primaries. Kwara North is pressing for a power shift since it has never held the governorship since 1999. Aspirants from the zone, including Senator Sadiq Umar, are working to avoid vote-splitting, and the national leadership has indicated openness to their case without formally zoning the ticket. Movements are also calling for a Christian governor to end the Muslim-Muslim leadership streak.
Oyo State Balances Zoning and Competence
APC leaders in Oyo State are carefully balancing zoning and consensus in the lead-up to primaries. Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare insists that executive positions have been fairly distributed across the state’s 33 local government areas. Former Deputy Governor Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo is emerging as a strong contender, but the party emphasizes merit and competence will guide the final decision. Professor Adeniyi Olowofela notes that discontent is normal but insists the party will prioritize experience and ability.
Uncertainty in Lagos Politics
Lagos is buzzing with speculation as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ends his second term. Youth groups are promoting Seyi Tinubu, son of the president, though the move is divisive. Other potential contenders include Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The Governor’s Advisory Council holds significant influence, and there is an unspoken expectation for the next governor to be a Muslim, maintaining historical rotation.
Delta Sees Clash Between Old Guard and Defectors
In Delta, recent congresses have intensified the divide between the old guard and a new bloc following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection from the PDP to the APC. Several legislators joined the governor in switching parties, reshaping internal hierarchies and sidelining figures like former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege. While the new leadership claims the congresses were smooth, critics allege delegate lists were harmonized privately rather than democratically.
Zamfara Rivalries Continue
Zamfara’s political scene is tense as Governor Dauda Lawal, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC, faces lingering tension with former Governor Bello Matawalle. Lawal received Matawalle’s support but continues to pursue a ₦70 billion corruption case against him. The APC landscape in Zamfara is crowded, with heavyweights like Abdul’aziz Yari and Senator Marafa also in the mix. Lawal has consolidated local power but must navigate a complex field of rivals.
