APC in Crisis: Five States Risk Exclusion from May Primaries as Consensus Row Deepens

Serious cracks are showing inside the All Progressives Congress as the ruling party races toward its May primaries and national convention — with five states now facing possible exclusion over an unresolved dispute about candidate selection.

The controversy centres on President Tinubu’s preferred model of consensus candidacy, which allows party leadership to settle on a single agreed-upon candidate rather than hold open competitive primaries. Multiple states are pushing back, and the standoff is becoming harder to manage as dates close in.

The party’s revised timetable sets governorship primaries for May 23 and the presidential primary for May 25. With those dates near, the possible exclusion of five states would cast a shadow over the entire process.

A Long-Running Sore

The consensus model has never been popular at the APC grassroots. Critics say it concentrates power at the centre and shuts out ordinary members. Supporters argue it prevents bitter, expensive internal contests that weaken a party before the main election.

The timing could not be worse. With opposition figures visibly mobilising in Ibadan and talking seriously about a unified 2027 ticket, the APC cannot afford to hand opponents a narrative win through internal chaos. Disunity now may prove costly next year.

Party officials have not publicly named which five states are at risk or detailed the specific objections. NaijaTrend will continue to monitor as the May dates approach.

Sources: Guardian Nigeria, BusinessDay