Fresh political alignments are unfolding ahead of the 2027 general elections as top Femi Gbajabiamila and Ibrahim Masari reportedly met with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, National Assembly leaders, and APC governors in a bid to calm growing tensions over party tickets.
The high-level meetings, held at the Presidential Villa and the Imo State Governor’s Lodge, focused on disputes over return tickets for senators and House of Representatives members, as well as ambitions of lawmakers seeking governorship seats.
Tinubu Moves to Balance Interests
Sources said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants a blend of experienced lawmakers and fresh faces in the next National Assembly, while also ensuring APC unity ahead of 2027.
Governors in some states reportedly resisted pressure to accommodate certain lawmakers and defectors, forcing a harmonised list to be prepared for presidential review.
Kwara, Ogun Tensions Deepen
Two governors — AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Dapo Abiodun — were absent from the governors’ meeting and instead reportedly sought separate talks with Tinubu in Paris.
In Kwara, the struggle is over zoning of the governorship ticket between Kwara North and Kwara Central, while in Ogun, Abiodun and Gbenga Daniel are said to be locked in a battle over the Ogun East senatorial slot.
Kano APC Endorses Tinubu, Yusuf
In Kano, APC stakeholders adopted Tinubu as the party’s presidential candidate and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as governorship candidate.
The meeting reportedly stressed party unity and consensus candidacies where possible.
Nasarawa Race Heats Up
Former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu officially joined the Nasarawa governorship contest under APC, dismissing reports that Governor Abdullahi Sule had already settled for Senator Aliyu Wadada as successor.
Adamu said security and peace would be his top priorities if elected.
Rivers Stakeholders Purchase Form for Fubara
In Rivers State, supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara said they purchased APC nomination forms worth ₦50 million for him, citing infrastructure projects and governance performance.
Binani Joins NDC
Former Adamawa APC governorship candidate Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani has defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, where former Bayelsa governor Henry Seriake Dickson handed her the party leadership in Adamawa.
Other Major Declarations
- Ladi Adebutu declared for Ogun governorship.
- Joel-Onowakpo Thomas announced re-election bid for Delta South Senate.
- Yusuf Buhari secured APC consensus ticket for Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency seat.
Big Picture
The scramble for tickets shows the 2027 elections have effectively begun. While endorsements and consensus deals may reduce primaries in some places, fierce local rivalries suggest APC and opposition parties could still face bruising internal battles before the main election.
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2026-04-29
2026-05-02
