APC Gives Governors New Role To Defuse Anger Over Candidates’ List

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly empowered state governors to oversee the distribution and completion of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms, following rising tensions over the party’s candidates’ list across several states.

According to Ireporter Online, the move comes as internal disagreements deepen over the outcome of disputed primaries, with indications that candidates backed by governors and influential stakeholders are being prioritized in the allocation of forms.

It was gathered that although the National Working Committee (NWC) has forwarded nomination forms to State Working Committees, the process has largely tilted in favour of governor-backed aspirants. The development comes amid growing dissatisfaction within party ranks over alleged irregularities in the selection process.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed that the party had received over 700 petitions arising from disputed primaries. He noted that the immediate focus of the party was ensuring that all nominated candidates complete and submit their forms ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s July 11 deadline.

Morka further explained that candidates are expected to return completed forms for upload to the INEC portal, adding that the public release of the final list is not currently the party’s priority. He assured that a comprehensive list would be made available at a later stage.

Meanwhile, APC governors convened an emergency meeting at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where they agreed to engage the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over the fallout from the primaries. The meeting was chaired by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodinma.

Findings suggest that President Bola Tinubu has largely maintained his stance of allowing governors significant influence over candidate selection within their respective states, in line with earlier assurances.

In Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has already presented INEC nomination forms to the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, as well as National Assembly aspirants. Similarly, in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor.

In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu-Wadada reportedly sparked objections from some party stakeholders, while in Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum’s preferred successor, Mustapha Gubio, emerged as a consensus candidate following reconciliation efforts led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.