Discontent is spreading within the All Progressives Congress as multiple aspirants reject consensus deals and accuse party leaders of imposing candidates ahead of the 2026 primaries.

In Zamfara North, APC senatorial hopeful Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi said he was excluded after party leaders chose to affirm sitting senators rather than hold open contests. He claimed Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle and other governors came with an order to step down all challengers, and said he will take legal action, arguing the move breaches the Electoral Act 2026.

Ondo State saw its House of Representatives primaries stall when the election panel divided over efforts to declare governor-backed candidates as winners. The committee’s secretary left for Abuja, stating the panel lacked authority to announce consensus results.

In Lagos, governorship aspirant Otunba Olarenwaju Jim-Kamal denied reports that Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat had been anointed, saying President Tinubu made no such endorsement and that the full Governing Advisory Council did not back him.

Several states including Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara used consensus to return incumbent lawmakers and candidates favored by governors. The North-Central APC Forum says more than half of its members are unhappy with the process, pointing to disqualifications, irregularities and money politics.

In Delta North, party members disputed the result that declared Ifeanyi Okowa winner, insisting Ned Nwoko won and demanding the party follow its rules.

The disagreements reveal a tension between maintaining party unity and ensuring fair internal contests. APC leaders say consensus avoids costly and divisive primaries, but critics argue it shuts out grassroots aspirants and undermines party guidelines. With the 2027 elections nearing, unresolved disputes could hurt the party’s strength in key regions.