Governorship contests within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are heating up across several states as aspirants reject consensus arrangements and opt for competitive primaries.
Despite efforts by party leaders to streamline candidates, multiple aspirants have purchased nomination forms, setting the stage for direct primaries in many states where all registered members will vote.
In Lagos, Samuel Ajose and Jide Adediran have joined the race against the party’s preferred candidate, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, who has backing from top figures including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Governance Advisory Council.
Similarly, in Ogun State, Abayomi Hunye has refused to step down despite consensus support for Solomon Adeola, while in Oyo, Adebayo Adelabu and Sharafdeen Ali are both in the race, with more contenders expected.
In Nasarawa, a fierce contest is shaping up among Aliyu Wadada, Suleiman Adamu, and Mohammad Sani Haruna, while Borno will see Mustapha Gubio, backed by Governor Babagana Zulum, face a challenge from Kaka Lawan.
Other states, including Yobe, Bauchi, Kwara, and Kaduna, are also witnessing multiple aspirants picking forms, further weakening consensus efforts and increasing the likelihood of full-scale primaries.
Meanwhile, Hamzat has received formal endorsement from President Tinubu after being presented by Lagos APC leaders, with First Lady Oluremi Tinubu praising the process as a sign of political maturity.
APC’s nomination process is expected to close soon, with governorship primaries scheduled for May 21, setting the stage for high-stakes contests across the country.
