Primaries: APC Picks Reps’ Candidates Saturday, Tinubu Warns Against Do Or Die Politics

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, James Kwen, Longtong Yakubu, Patrick Ochoga, Kalu Eziyi, Damilola Origbemisuyi, Abdullahi Olesin, Achor Abimaje, Adebayo Waheed, Godwin Enna, Alo Abiola and Emmanuel Mgbeahurike

President Bola Tinubu has warned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against engaging in “do-or-die” politics as the party begins its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. This comes as APC postponed the House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 general elections to Saturday, May 16, 2026.

APC national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement yesterday night, however, said the Senate, State Houses of Assembly, Governorship and Presidential primaries remain unchanged.

LEADERSHIP reports that APC fixed Friday, May 15, 2026 for the House of Representatives primary election.

The statement announcing the slight change reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) announces the postponement of the House of Representatives Primary Election for the 2027 General Elections to Saturday, 16th May, 2026.

“Previously announced Primary Election dates for the  Senate, State Houses of Assembly, Governorship and Presidential primaries remain unchanged.

Tinubu, in a personally signed statement on the commencement of the APC primaries nationwide, urged aspirants, party leaders, and delegates to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold the principles of internal democracy, fairness, and sportsmanship.

The President said the primaries, which would have began today, were critical to the unity and future of the ruling party.

“We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game,” Tinubu said.

He urged contestants to see the exercise as an opportunity to strengthen party cohesion rather than deepen divisions.

“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters.

“All participants in the primaries, whether as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to act as sportsmen and sportswomen in the overall interest of the party and our country,” he stated.

Tinubu warned against conduct capable of undermining democracy and party unity, noting that eventual winners should avoid gloating while losers should accept defeat in good faith.

“In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time,” he said.

The President also encouraged APC leaders across the states to embrace consensus arrangements where possible, saying the option would help reduce rancour among members.

“I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates.

“It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members,” he added.

Tinubu further urged party leaders and governors to ensure fairness during the exercise by providing a level playing field for all aspirants.

“To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just. You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field,” he said.

The President also appealed for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s political process.

Tinubu further cautioned the police and other security agencies against interfering in the primaries beyond maintaining law and order.

“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring a peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he warned.

APC Begins Exercise Amid Delay In Release Of Screening Results

Before the postponement, the APC had commenced processes for the House of Representatives primary election today.

This comes as the ruling party has yet to release the results of the screening of aspirants for the National Assembly, governorship, and presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to its timetable, the ruling party was expected to release the list of aspirants who passed the screening process. Its inability to do so caused anxiety among aspirants who confided in LEADERSHIP in some states.

However, LEADERSHIP gathered that the ruling party would go ahead with the primary election scheduled to commence today for the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

An official in the APC National Organising Secretary’s Office confided in LEADERSHIP that the committees responsible for conducting the House of Representatives primaries had been dispatched to various states of the federation.

LEADERSHIP reports that the APC clarified that the dates scheduled for the party’s forthcoming primary elections for the 2027 general elections remain unchanged.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP late Wednesday, said the clarification became necessary following the circulation of false and misleading reports on social media and other communication platforms suggesting otherwise.

According to the party’s timetable, primary elections will be held as follows: House of Representatives – Friday, 15 May 2026; Senate – Monday, 18 May 2026; State House of Assembly – Wednesday, 20 May 2026; Governorship – Thursday, 21 May 2026; and Presidential – Saturday, 23 May 2026.

24 Reps Aspirants For Primaries In Kano

Preparations for the APC House of Representatives primaries in Kano State are in full swing, with the party intensifying efforts to ensure a smooth and transparent process. The party has also emphasised its commitment to reaching consensus candidates where possible.

APC spokesperson in Kano, Auwalu Soja, told LEADERSHIP that 24 aspirants are currently vying for House of Representatives seats across the state. He noted that discussions are ongoing with some members to achieve consensus in certain constituencies.

Soja added that regardless of whether a consensus is reached, primaries will proceed as scheduled across all constituencies and wards within Kano’s 44 local government areas, ensuring that the party’s democratic process is upheld.

Okpebholo’s ‘Anointed Aspirants’ Tighten Grip Ahead Of Edo Reps Showdown

In Edo State, strong indications have emerged that aspirants allegedly backed by Governor Monday Okpebholo may coast to victory amid intense last-minute negotiations and political horse-trading within the party.

LEADERSHIP gathered that consultations and alignments among influential stakeholders have intensified ahead of the exercise, with several aspirants believed to enjoy the tacit endorsement of the state leadership.

The federal constituencies billed for the House of Representatives primaries include Oredo, Ovia, Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Uhunmwonde/Orhionmwon, Esan West/Esan Central/Igueben, Esan South-East/Esan North-East, Owan, and Akoko-Edo.

Aspirants seeking APC tickets were screened last week and are currently awaiting the party’s national leadership to submit the screening committee’s report.

As of the time this report was filed, the final list of cleared aspirants for the House of Representatives primaries in Edo State had not yet been officially released.

However, stakeholders loyal to Governor Okpebholo have continued to openly mobilise support for aspirants believed to be favoured by the governor ahead of the direct primaries.

Efforts to reach the Edo State APC Publicity Secretary, Barrister Peter Igbinigie, were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile line were not answered as of press time.

Abia Tussle

At the Abia State chapter secretariat of the party, it was gathered that there are three governorship aspirants, nine Senate aspirants, 24 House of Representatives aspirants, and 63 State House of Assembly aspirants.

Emboldened by being the ruling party, the chapter’s preparation for the primaries, which a source said would be conducted through direct election and Option A4, appeared to be on the fast lane.

A highly placed source in the chapter, who pleaded anonymity, said:

“Yes, we are 99 per cent ready for the exercise. It’s going to be very peaceful, and there will be nothing like a consensus candidate.”

“Of course, in a situation where there is only one aspirant, automatically, he or she will be declared the winner,” the source added, assuring that there would be no external interference in the exercise.

As of press time, leaders of the chapter and some of the aspirants were gathering at its new secretariat along Finbarr’s Road for a “crucial urgent meeting,” the outcome of which was being awaited.

Tension Rises In Ondo

In Ondo State, tension has continued to mount among aspirants over alleged plans to disrupt the exercise, even as the party and government insist on a peaceful and credible process.

Some aspirants seeking tickets for the House of Representatives and the Ondo State House of Assembly have raised the alarm over alleged plans to deploy thugs to disrupt the forthcoming primaries, heightening political tension ahead of the exercise.

The aggrieved aspirants, drawn from across the state, alleged that they were sidelined in what they described as a selective endorsement process favouring certain aspirants ahead of the polls.

Speaking on behalf of the aspirants, a House of Representatives aspirant, Mr Jimi Adekanle, alleged that the state governor had anointed preferred aspirants without broad consultation with party stakeholders.

Adekanle further alleged that plans were underway to use thugs to attack aspirants not included on the alleged list of preferred candidates, as well as their supporters, during the primaries.

However, the Ondo State Government dismissed the allegations, describing them as false and misleading, while reaffirming its commitment to the peaceful and orderly conduct of the primaries.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had no involvement in any form of violence or intimidation, stressing that the administration was committed to ensuring a hitch-free exercise in line with APC guidelines.

Meanwhile, the APC in Ondo State announced that all 48 aspirants vying for the 26 seats in the State House of Assembly had been cleared following the two-day screening exercise conducted ahead of the primaries.

The state party Publicity Secretary, Muyide Adeyeluwa, said the party is well prepared for the primaries and remains committed to a peaceful, credible, and democratic process.

He urged aspirants and supporters to maintain peace and demonstrate sportsmanship during the exercise, which will hold across the state’s 18 local government areas.

Kwara Set For Primaries

In Kwara State, aspirants will contest for the party’s tickets for the six available House of Representatives seats.

The state APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, told LEADERSHIP that all is set for the primaries.

He said the party was awaiting the arrival of national officials who would supervise the primaries taking place in all wards across the state.

Fagbemi said he could not confirm the number of aspirants who had been cleared for the contest.

“The screening of the aspirants took place in Abuja. We can only know the number of those cleared for the primaries when our officials from Abuja arrive in Ilorin,” he said.

Fagbemi, however, said the party had appealed to aspirants to put the party’s interests above personal interests so that the APC can remain stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

LEADERSHIP observed that the contest will be fierce in Ilorin East/Ilorin South Federal Constituency because of the calibre of aspirants.

At least three former commissioners — Engr. Abdulquwiy Olodo, Dr Afeez Abolore, and Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu are contesting for the party’s ticket in the constituency. Other aspirants include philanthropist Amb. Tajudeen Olesin and the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Yinka Aluko.

In Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, the aspirants have agreed to zone the ticket to the Ekiti axis.

The resolution was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilorin yesterday.

The APC Kwara South Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Olabanji Olayemi, convened the meeting.

The aspirants who attended the meeting included Prince Jesufemi Oyeyemi, Dr Toba Oloyede, Mrs Florence Oyeyemi, Bashorun Kayode Bankole, Abiola Jagunlabi, Gbenle Adeyemi, Dr Alex Bankole, Gbenga Ajibola, Hon. Ganiu Gabriel, and Dare Bankole.

In Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, a women’s rights advocate and former Commissioner for Women Affairs will face off against the incumbent representative, Hon. Mukthar Shagaya.

Plateau Secretariat Deserted

In Plateau State, the APC secretariat was deserted, with no party officials in sight on the eve of the primary election.

Our correspondent, who visited the party’s Kalwa House State Secretariat to assess the mood of party officials and supporters ahead of today’s House of Representatives primaries, observed that the secretariat was empty.

However, the party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Bako Wumanna, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, insisted that preparations for the primaries were in top gear.

According to him, “Everything is going on well to the best of my knowledge. The committee is expected to be dispatched to the various venues where the primaries will be conducted at any moment from now.”

Wumanna disclosed that where consensus fails, direct primaries would be conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

He pointed out that the party is fully prepared for today’s House of Representatives primaries, stressing that he could not ascertain the exact number of aspirants contesting across the state.

“All eight House of Representatives positions in the state are being contested.”

Intrigues In Oyo

The Oyo State Chairman of the party, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, charged aspirants to exhibit top-notch moral conduct before, during, and after the exercise, emphasising that “the leadership of the APC will not tolerate anything contrary.”

The former deputy governor remarked during an address to aspirants at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, yesterday.

The meeting, according to a statement by the APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, was convened to discuss the modalities for conducting direct primaries in federal constituencies where more than one aspirant has been cleared to participate. At the same time, affirmation will be carried out in areas where the consensus option has been adopted.

Meanwhile, the Oyo APC leadership condemned the activities of suspected sponsored hoodlums who besieged the party secretariat and caused pandemonium as unsuspecting leaders and members ran for safety to escape attacks and harassment.

The hoodlums reportedly unleashed terror on members of the state executive committee, staff, and others present at the secretariat.

They were said to be armed with dangerous weapons and charms, and to have arrived in large numbers to carry out the attacks.

The incident, which lasted about two hours, left several private vehicles and parts of the secretariat building damaged, with windshields, tyres, office windows, and doors shattered.

However, Sadare stated in a telephone conversation that the situation had been brought under control.

“It was a case of sponsored attacks by some disgruntled elements, but we are glad that no life was lost in the unprovoked attacks.

“We have reported it to the security agencies, and I am aware that investigations have already begun. That is all I can say for now,” Sadare said.

Katsina Aspirants Seek Justice

The consensus arrangement in Katsina State has continued to generate reactions, with some party stakeholders warning that the development may create deeper divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

One of the affected lawmakers representing Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency, Hon. Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, described the situation as unfortunate, saying the process left many loyal party members dissatisfied and politically displaced.

According to him, while consensus remains a legitimate political strategy, its implementation in the state allegedly lacked fairness and inclusiveness.

“The issue is not about consensus itself, but the way it was handled. Many committed party members who have sacrificed for the growth of the APC feel neglected,” he said.

Kusada warned that the wave of defections and growing discontent among party faithful could weaken the APC if urgent reconciliation measures are not taken.

“We are beginning to see the consequences already. Some prominent members have left the party, while many others are angry and disappointed. The leadership must quickly address these grievances before things get worse,” he stated.

The lawmaker urged the presidency and national leadership of the party to intervene and ensure justice, equity, and internal democracy within the APC structure in Katsina State.

Already, aggrieved aspirants in the state have been cross-carpeting to opposition parties following the outcome of the consensus primaries.

Imo APC Screens 106 Assembly Aspirants

In Imo State, the party completed the screening of 106 aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the State House of Assembly elections, setting the stage for a fierce contest across the state’s 27 constituencies.

Party officials disclosed that the screening exercise was conducted by a committee led by Chief Judith Enanutor, as aspirants await the official publication of names cleared to participate in the next phase of the process.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, Imo APC spokesperson, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, confirmed the total number of aspirants screened and urged party members to ignore speculations about alleged disqualifications.

According to him, the official list of cleared aspirants will be released shortly, stressing that no candidate has been formally cleared or disqualified at this stage.

“The list of qualified aspirants will be published shortly. As of now, there is no list of qualified or disqualified aspirants,” Onwuasoanya said.

He added that reports suggesting protests by disqualified aspirants were false, insisting that no one could legitimately claim exclusion before the official screening outcome is released.

“The correct number of House of Assembly aspirants is 106,” he stated, while advising party faithful to rely only on information released through official APC channels.

Ekiti Ready For Primaries

The Ekiti State chapter of the party said it is well prepared for the primaries set to be held across the state’s six federal constituencies.

Most of the aspirants have toured wards in their respective constituencies to canvass support ahead of the shadow election.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Segun Dipe, said no aspirant from Ekiti State had been disqualified from the contest.

Dipe, who could not confirm the exact number of aspirants in the race, said:

“I can be quoted. Our party has not taken a position on candidacy in the National Assembly elections. As a party with democratic tenets, we believe in democracy.

“However, people have the right, just as I have the right, to endorse candidates and express preferences. They just returned from screening, and the aspirants’ screening was one of the cleanest and fairest in Abuja. I was there, I witnessed it, and to my knowledge, nobody has been disqualified.”