A fresh wave of internal tension is rocking Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as newly defected governors aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu face growing resistance from long-standing party loyalists across several states.
The emerging crisis, according to party insiders, is centered on control of party structures and the allocation of tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sources reveal that the new entrants are making moves to restructure state party leadership by installing loyalists, while also seeking significant influence over candidate selection.
This development has sparked pushback from the party’s old guard, many of whom argue that they are being sidelined despite years of building and sustaining the APC at the grassroots level.
In Akwa Ibom State, a prominent party chieftain described the situation as a clear division within the party. “We have two blocs in APC — the old bloc and the new bloc,” the source said, adding that speculations about automatic tickets for defectors could trigger a serious crisis if implemented.
Similar tensions have been reported in Delta State, Rivers State, Plateau State, Bayelsa State, and Enugu State, where parallel meetings, leadership disputes, and growing mistrust are said to be deepening divisions within the party.
Observers note that the standoff could also affect the political future of the defected governors themselves, as entrenched party structures in various states may resist their emergence as candidates.
Meanwhile, the APC’s national leadership is said to be holding consultations aimed at managing the crisis and preventing further escalation. However, insiders warn that the situation remains fragile, with competing interests continuing to clash as preparations for 2027 intensify.
