The All Progressives Congress (APC) is sliding into a widening internal crisis that could reshape its fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections, as tensions rise over control of party structures and ticket allocations.
National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has ruled out the possibility of automatic tickets, insisting that there is “no automatic ticket in the party’s constitution.” The declaration has intensified friction between defected governors who recently joined the party and long-standing members who feel sidelined.
Across several states, the real battle is now over control of party machinery, especially delegate systems. While new entrants backed by state power are pushing to dominate structures, established members are resisting what they describe as an attempt to erase their contributions to the party’s foundation.
In Akwa Ibom State, divisions have become more visible. A party chieftain admitted the growing split, saying, “We have two blocs in APC… the old bloc… and the new bloc,” as tensions mount between Governor Umo Eno’s emerging influence and Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s political camp. Stakeholders warn that favouritism toward either side could trigger a “serious crisis.”
Delta State is also witnessing an intense struggle following the entry of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, both of whom have unsettled the existing power structure within the party.
In Rivers State, political realignments around Governor Siminalayi Fubara have reopened old rivalries with Nyesom Wike’s faction, deepening divisions within the APC fold.
Similar factional battles are unfolding in Plateau, Bayelsa, and Enugu states, where parallel meetings and competing leadership claims have become increasingly common.
In Adamawa State, the crisis has already produced fallout, as governorship aspirant Maurice Vunobolki resigned from the party, alleging plans to impose candidates. His exit is being seen as a warning sign of deeper fractures ahead.
With both camps insisting on controlling party tickets, reconciliation appears increasingly difficult.
Analysts warn that if the disputes are not resolved before the primaries, the APC risks heading into the 2027 elections deeply divided, with possible waves of defections on both sides.
