The All Progressives Congress is set to conduct governorship primary elections across the country on Thursday following growing tensions over attempts by party leaders to adopt consensus candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The primaries are expected to be a crucial stage in shaping the party’s political direction as aspirants across the 36 states seek governorship tickets.
In several states, influential stakeholders and party leaders have reportedly pushed for consensus arrangements in a bid to avoid internal disputes and preserve unity within the party. However, the approach has met resistance from some aspirants who insist on participating in open contests.
Among the states attracting significant attention are Rivers, Adamawa, Kwara and Plateau, where party members and observers are closely monitoring developments ahead of the outcome of the primaries.
Earlier concerns had emerged after loyalists of the governor were reportedly absent from the list of cleared aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly primary election, raising questions over his political future within the party.
However, in a major development on Wednesday night, Fubara announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary race.
In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” the governor said the decision followed extensive consultations and careful consideration.
According to him, the move was necessary to protect peace, unity and political stability in the state.
The governorship primaries are anticipated to produce key outcomes that may significantly shape political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
