The race for the 2027 general elections gathered momentum on Wednesday as several All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants obtained Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, signalling a likely shift towards direct primaries in some states.
Aspirants for presidential, governorship, and National Assembly positions defied consensus arrangements pushed by party leaders and state governors by purchasing forms at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Form sales, which commenced on April 28, 2026, are expected to end on May 2, 2026. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable, party primaries and dispute resolution are scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
In Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and former Minister Adebayo Adelabu obtained governorship nomination forms.
They were joined by Senate and House of Representatives aspirants from the state.In Lagos State, Olajide Adediran (popularly known as Jandor) purchased the governorship form despite the strong endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and President Bola Tinubu.
Another aspirant, Dr Samuel Ajose, had earlier obtained his form, insisting on a level playing field.Adediran stated that while he respects the decisions of party elders, he remains guided by the APC’s official position favouring direct primaries as communicated to all members.
“I am guided by the official position of the party on direct primaries... Should the party come up with the second option of nominating party candidates as enshrined in the Electoral Act, I will surely align with and respect the supremacy of the party,” he said.
In Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum has anointed Commissioner Mustapha Gubio as his preferred successor.
However, in Yobe State, despite the endorsement of Baba Mallam Wali by stakeholders led by Senator Ibrahim Geidam, aspirants Senator Ibrahim Bomai and Kashim Tumsah also purchased forms.
Other notable aspirants who obtained forms include Senator Solomon Adeola and Abayomi Semako Hunye for Ogun governorship, Yusuf Tuggar for Bauchi, and several others across different states.
In Ogun State, APC members from Ijebu East protested against alleged imposition of candidates for House of Representatives and State Assembly seats, demanding adherence to zoning and direct primaries.
While consensus arrangements are being pursued in states like Lagos, Borno, and Yobe, the rush by non-endorsed aspirants to obtain forms has heightened the possibility of direct primaries in several states to allow for a level playing field and reduce internal rancour.
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