As Nigeria gradually inches toward the 2027 general elections, political parties have commenced internal processes in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), however, one critical question continues to dominate political conversations: can the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, conduct credible primaries capable of preserving party unity and positioning the APC for electoral success? JOHNCHUKS ONUAYIM looks at the possibilities.
To many observers, the conduct of transparent and inclusive primaries may determine not only who emerges as candidates, but also whether the ruling party can avoid the internal crises that have repeatedly threatened its electoral fortunes. But APC seems to have a troubled history of primaries. Since its formation in 2013, the APC has struggled to institutionalise internal democracy.
From the era of pioneer interim National Chairman, Bisi Akande, to the immediate past leadership under former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s primaries have frequently been marred by allegations of imposition, manipulation, bribery, parallel congresses, litigation, and factional disputes. The 2019 and 2023 election cycles exposed deep cracks within the party.
In several states, aggrieved aspirants rejected primary outcomes, citing irregularities and lack of transparency. The disputes weakened party cohesion, cost the APC strategic victories in states such as Zamfara State and Abia State, and handed opposition parties significant political leverage.
Critics have consistently argued that the party’s preference for “consensus arrangements,” though sometimes useful in promoting unity, has often been manipulated to sideline genuine competition. Even the 2026 national convention that reaffirmed Yilwatda’s leadership relied heavily on consensus, reinforcing concerns that the culture remains deeply entrenched within the party.
Speaking on the implications of consensus politics, APC chieftain, Rufai Alkali, warned that while consensus arrangements may temporarily suppress tensions, they rarely eliminate the resentment created by exclusion.
The former Political Adviser to then President Goodluck Jonathan also highlighted widening cracks between governors and other power blocs within the party, including lawmakers, ministers, and party leaders, describing such divisions as major threats to the APC’s electoral machinery.
According to Alkali, the dilemma facing many second-term governors could further complicate the process, as several of them are simultaneously managing succession battles and personal political ambitions – wanting to go to the Senate. Attempts to impose successors, he warned, could reopen old rivalries and provoke resistance from sidelined stakeholders.
He cautioned that the post-primary period could prove even more damaging if disputes are poorly managed, citing risks such as litigation, anti-party activities, defections, and internal sabotage. Against this backdrop, the question many party members continue to ask is whether Yilwatda can rein in the excesses of powerful governors and enforce a credible process.
Yilwatda’s reform credentials
Unlike many of his predecessors, Yilwatda brings an unconventional profile to party leadership, a factor some APC members believe could work in his favour. A professor, engineer, and administrator, he built much of his reputation through public service and institutional management.
Before emerging as APC National Chairman in 2025, he served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and earlier worked as a Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), giving him rare insight into both electoral administration and governance.
His background in ICT and institutional reform, including years spent as a university Director of ICT, has reinforced perceptions of him as a process-driven leader rather than a conventional political tactician. Upon assuming office, Yilwatda pledged to deepen internal democracy, transparency, and inclusiveness within the APC.
However, party members have argued that technocratic competence alone may not be enough in Nigeria’s highly competitive political environment, where entrenched interests, regional calculations, and elite power blocs often overshadow formal rules.
Governors remain biggest obstacle
Any serious conversation about APC primaries must confront one undeniable reality: the overwhelming influence of state governors. Within the party structure, governors wield enormous political and financial influence. As leaders of the APC in their respective states, they often determine delegate composition, influence consensus arrangements, and, in many cases, shape the eventual emergence of candidates.
This influence was further reinforced recently when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reminded National Assembly members that governors remain the leaders of the party in their respective states. While politically pragmatic, the President’s position also highlights the structural imbalance within the APC.
The implication is clear: although the National Chairman is expected to ensure fairness and credibility, governors frequently control the political machinery that produces outcomes. Managing this delicate power equation may become Yilwatda’s greatest challenge.
A chairman perceived as weak risks becoming ceremonial, while one seen as overly assertive could trigger resistance from influential state actors, as witnessed during the tenure of former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.
Withdrawal Form controversy
Concerns about the credibility of the APC’s internal processes were further heightened this week following a dispute over alleged attempts to compel aspirants to sign withdrawal forms alongside their nomination documents.
Some aspirants reportedly clashed with party officials after being informed that their completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms would not be accepted unless accompanied by signed withdrawal forms.
The controversy allegedly involved the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, although party officials later explained that the withdrawal form was intended to be voluntary and not compulsory.
According to party sources, signing the withdrawal form implied that an aspirant was willing to step down from the race if directed by the party leadership, while refusal to sign allowed the aspirant to remain in the contest.
The development generated tension at the submission centre, with several aspirants insisting that the withdrawal form was optional and accusing party officials of attempting to create a backdoor mechanism for imposing consensus candidates.
One of the affected aspirants, who spoke anonymously, questioned why aspirants who paid between N20 million and N100 million for nomination forms should simultaneously be compelled to sign withdrawal documents.
The situation reportedly escalated before the intervention of the APC National Legal Adviser, who directed officials to accept nomination forms from aspirants who declined to sign the withdrawal forms.
The controversy has further fueled concerns among party members that consensus arrangements could again be weaponised to sideline certain aspirants ahead of the primaries.
What APC must do to avoid another crisis
Political observers say that if the APC hopes to avoid a repeat of past crises, Yilwatda’s leadership must pursue several critical reforms. The first is transparency in delegate selection.
Many disputes originate not from the voting process itself, but from controversies surrounding delegate lists. Ensuring credible ward, local government, and state congresses will therefore be essential.
Second is the establishment of clear and enforceable guidelines. Ambiguous rules have historically created room for manipulation and conflicting interpretations. Uniform procedures across states could significantly reduce controversy.
Third is the deployment of technologydriven processes. Given Yilwatda’s ICT background, analysts believe digital accreditation and electronic monitoring systems could improve transparency and reduce human interference.
Fourth is the strengthening of internal conflict resolution mechanisms. Independent and credible arbitration panels could help resolve disputes before they escalate into litigation or public crises. Finally, there must be genuine political will.
No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless party stakeholders — especially governors — commit themselves to fairness and internal democracy.
Defining moment
The 2027 APC primaries will do more than produce candidates. They will test whether the ruling party has evolved into a truly democratic institution or remains largely a coalition sustained by elite bargaining and political negotiations.
For Yilwatda, the exercise represents more than a routine political responsibility. It is a defining moment that could either cement his legacy as a reform-minded leader or place him among the long list of party chairmen unable to overcome the contradictions within Nigeria’s ruling party.
Ultimately, whether the APC enters the 2027 elections united or divided may depend less on public campaigns and more on how fairly the party manages the battles within its own ranks.
