By Our Correspondent

National News – The All Progressives Congress is grappling with internal tensions over its strategy for selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party leaders are weighing whether to retain consensus arrangements or adopt direct primaries in states where disagreements persist.

The uncertainty comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission deadline for submission of candidates approaches, prompting urgent consultations across party structures.

Sources within the party revealed that President Bola Tinubu has been briefed on a proposed timetable for primaries, expected to be unveiled soon.

While consensus candidates have reportedly been agreed upon in Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun states, several others—including Nasarawa, Kwara, Adamawa, Yobe, and Bauchi—remain flashpoints due to competing interests and unresolved negotiations.

The conflict stems from rival aspirants and power blocs struggling for influence, particularly in states with outgoing governors seeking to shape succession.

Party insiders explained that consensus is preferred to maintain unity and reduce costs, but direct primaries may be adopted where stakeholders refuse to align.

This approach, they say, is intended to prevent defections, anti-party activities, and internal rebellion.

In Bauchi, speculation around Governor Bala Mohammed’s political future has added to the uncertainty, while prominent figures continue quiet mobilisation.

Similarly, Adamawa and Kwara are witnessing resistance to perceived imposition of candidates, raising fears of deeper divisions within the party.

Efforts to balance zoning arrangements, stakeholder interests, and electoral fairness have further complicated decision-making.

In Nasarawa, consultations are ongoing, with some aspirants insisting on direct primaries as the most transparent option.

Meanwhile, in Yobe and Gombe, party leaders are cautiously working toward consensus despite underlying rivalries.

Overall, the APC faces a delicate challenge of managing internal democracy while preserving unity ahead of 2027.

The final decision on primary methods will likely shape not only candidate emergence but also the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects nationwide.