By Our Correspondent

National News – Fresh tension has erupted within the ruling All Progressives Congress as party primaries for the 2027 general elections begin across several states.

Fierce lobbying, allegations of candidate imposition, collapsed consensus talks, and protests have raised concerns about possible internal crises ahead of the polls.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and party leaders are intensifying consultations to maintain unity before the primaries gather full momentum nationwide.

Tinubu appealed to aspirants, party leaders, and members to embrace peaceful conduct during the exercise.

He warned against “do-or-die” politics and urged both winners and losers to act with maturity.

According to the President, the primaries are a major test of the APC’s unity, resilience, and readiness for another election cycle.

The APC primaries, which begin with House of Representatives contests, are expected to continue until the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026.

The process is taking place under the Electoral Act 2026, which shortened the statutory election notice period from 360 to 300 days.

Several states, including Kano, Taraba, Kaduna, Oyo, Edo, Yobe, and Abia, have witnessed disagreements over consensus arrangements and direct primaries.

In Abia, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu dismissed reports of automatic tickets, insisting all candidates must emerge through democratic processes.

In Oyo State, angry party members protested alleged attempts to impose candidates, while in Kano and Taraba, consensus talks reportedly collapsed after aspirants refused to step down.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani inaugurated a reconciliation committee to calm tensions among stakeholders.

Meanwhile, smoother consensus arrangements were recorded in Sokoto and Borno states, where party leaders agreed on candidates ahead of the primaries.