APC Primary Disputes: Presidency Moves To Intervene

It was gathered that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside the Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, held a meeting with key leaders of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The high-level meeting was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Following the engagement with parliamentary leaders, the Presidential Supervision Team on National Assembly Primaries also met with members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), as part of broader consultations aimed at stabilising the internal electoral process of the ruling party.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the intervention became necessary following a series of petitions submitted to President Bola Tinubu, alleging attempts by some governors to dominate or influence the outcome of APC primaries in states under the party’s control.

It was further noted that the situation had generated significant tension within the party structure, prompting urgent presidential attention to prevent escalation.

The Presidential Supervision Team has been mandated to promote internal peace, monitor the primaries, coordinate stakeholders, and manage disputes before, during, and after the selection process.

It was also indicated that where consensus arrangements fail, the President may instruct the party to conduct open, credible, and transparent primaries among all aspirants.

The team is expected to work closely with the APC National Working Committee to address emerging challenges, with further consultations already anticipated following the initial meetings. Sources maintained that while discussions are ongoing, final authority on resolving the crisis ultimately rests with the President.