Petitions, protests and legal threats have trailed the ongoing screening of aspirants by the ruling All Progressives Congress across multiple states, exposing deepening internal tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Across states including Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Rivers and Plateau, aggrieved aspirants are mobilizing challenges over the outcome of the party’s screening process, which is designed to reduce the number of contenders ahead of primaries.
The exercise has sparked controversy in several states, with accusations of imposition, procedural irregularities and consensus arrangements allegedly used to sideline some aspirants.
In Taraba State, backlash followed the endorsement of incumbent lawmakers after screening, particularly in Taraba North Senatorial District, where youth groups rejected the reported backing of Sen. Shuaibu Isa Lau. Critics described his tenure as ineffective, while stakeholders warned that perceived imposition could alienate voters.
Party sources said some aspirants were preparing petitions over alleged manipulation and exclusion, with others considering legal action if appeals fail. Efforts are ongoing to reconcile aggrieved members to prevent defections and anti-party activities.
In Kano State, at least 20 aspirants for Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly tickets were screened out despite earlier consensus arrangements. A state APC spokesperson, Auwal Soja, said six aspirants in Kano Central stepped down for former Gov. Ibrahim Shekarau following reconciliation efforts.
Despite that, protests continued, with critics arguing that loyalty and political consistency were being undermined. Some reconciliation meetings reportedly suffered setbacks after key stakeholders stayed away.
In Jigawa State, former Speaker Isah Idris resigned from the APC after being disqualified, accusing the party of abandoning its founding principles. He later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Another former speaker, Idris Garba, and a serving lawmaker, Abubakar Sadiq, were also affected, fueling concerns of widening cracks in the state chapter.
In Benue State, about 40 aspirants were disqualified during screening for House of Assembly seats in Makurdi. Supporters accused the party of violating zoning arrangements and political agreements.
In Kogi State, protests erupted over allegations that nomination forms were selectively distributed. Critics accused the leadership of centralizing control and excluding aspirants with strong grassroots support.
In Anambra State, the APC said it expelled about 30 members, including aspirants, for taking the party to court. The state publicity secretary said the action was in line with party rules.
In Kaduna State, while House of Assembly screening ended without disqualifications due to consensus arrangements, controversy persists over alleged plans to impose candidates in the senatorial race, particularly in Kaduna Central.
Former Speaker Yusuf Zailani and activist Yarima Shettima rejected the reported consensus arrangement, warning against imposition.
In Ebonyi State, some disqualified aspirants expressed dissatisfaction after losing out in consensus arrangements. One aspirant resigned from the party in protest.
In Rivers State, a screening appeal panel said 65 aspirants were disqualified while 33 were cleared. The panel said it had received 19 petitions and had begun reviewing them.
Panel chairman Dr. Abdul Mahmud said decisions were based on screening reports and noted that many aspirants complained they were not formally notified of disqualification and instead learned via social media.
He advised the party to improve communication by notifying aspirants directly.
In Plateau State, screening for House of Assembly aspirants has been completed, but results have not yet been released, heightening tensions among candidates awaiting the outcome.
Party officials in Imo State said the list of cleared aspirants will be released Wednesday after screening 106 contenders.
In Zamfara State, 114 aspirants purchased forms for 22 assembly seats, with officials warning that those who fail to appear for screening will be disqualified.
Across the country, analysts say the growing reliance on consensus arrangements and screening exclusions is exposing internal fractures within the APC and raising concerns about cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
