The All Progressives Congress has unveiled governorship candidates in 25 states following the conclusion of its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, although internal disagreements forced the postponement of exercises in Kwara and Bauchi states.

The ruling party also announced detailed procedures and committees for its presidential primary scheduled for May 23, 2026, adopting a direct primary system across all 8,809 wards nationwide.

While incumbent governors and consensus-backed aspirants secured tickets in several states including Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Enugu, Kebbi, Rivers and Katsina, tensions over consensus arrangements and alleged imposition of candidates disrupted the process in parts of the country.

In Lagos State, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat emerged as the APC governorship candidate after polling 657,917 votes to defeat Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal, who secured one vote.

Declaring the result at the APC secretariat in Ikeja, chairman of the governorship primary committee, retired General Jonathan Temlong, described the exercise as peaceful and transparent.

In Rivers State, political drama unfolded after Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the governorship race, citing peace and unity within the state. However, the development triggered reactions from supporters and political associates who accused powerful interests within the party of sidelining the governor politically.

Despite the controversy, Kingsley Chinda eventually emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers after polling 268,497 votes.

In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori secured the APC ticket after polling 345,375 votes in a peaceful direct primary conducted across the state.

Governor Peter Mbah also clinched the APC ticket in Enugu State, while Governor Uba Sani secured 459,393 affirmation votes in Kaduna.

The APC National Working Committee postponed governorship primaries in Kwara and Bauchi states to Friday, citing the need to ensure a “transparent, orderly, peaceful and credible” process.

However, the postponements fuelled suspicions among party members, particularly in Kwara where intense negotiations reportedly led eight aspirants to step down for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred candidate, Yahaya Seriki.

In Bauchi, supporters of governorship aspirant Nura Soro protested over fears of candidate imposition and alleged manipulation of the process.

Elsewhere, former ministers Isa Pantami and Said Alkali suffered defeat in Gombe State as Jamilu Gwamna emerged victorious despite allegations of irregularities raised by the losing camp.

Meanwhile, the APC formally released guidelines for its presidential primary election, confirming that all registered party members would participate in a direct primary across the country’s 8,809 wards.

According to the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, results from all wards will be collated at local government and state levels before final submission to the national collation centre in Abuja.

Former Senate President Pius Anyim was named chairman of the Presidential Primary Election Committee, while former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari will head the appeal committee.

The APC presidential primary is expected to feature incumbent President Bola Tinubu and challenger Stanley Osifo.

The party also appointed several governors and senior political figures as state coordinators and collation officers for the presidential exercise, including Governors Hope Uzodimma, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Douye Diri, Babagana Zulum, Peter Mbah and Umo Eno.

Despite pockets of tension, the APC leadership insisted the primaries reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy and transparent candidate selection ahead of the 2027 elections.