By Wellington Jopelo
Fresh crisis has hit the All Progressives Congress after the party postponed governorship primaries in Kwara and Bauchi states while unveiling candidates in 25 other states across the country.
The delay sparked confusion and tension among party members as supporters of different aspirants accused powerful figures of trying to influence the process in favour of preferred candidates.
In Kwara State, political attention shifted to businessman and diplomat Yahaya Seriki, believed to be the preferred successor of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Several aspirants later stepped down for Seriki following consultations within the party. Those who withdrew include Professor Wale Sulaiman, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Dr Mohammed Bio, Dr Toyin Alabi, Captain Ahmad Mahmoud, Hajia Aisha Patigi, Dr Salako Oluwatoyin and Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
Despite the withdrawals, confusion surrounded the primary exercise as party members gathered at different wards only to discover electoral officials and materials had not arrived.
Supporters of Senator Saliu Mustapha, Bashir Bolarinwa, Femi Sanni and Yahaya Seriki were seen at various centres before the postponement was officially announced.
In Bauchi State, supporters of governorship aspirant Nura Soro protested over alleged plans to manipulate the primary election.
The protesters stormed the hotel where APC electoral committee members were reportedly staying, demanding a transparent and credible process.
Meanwhile, the APC successfully produced governorship candidates in several states. In Lagos, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat emerged as the party’s governorship candidate after defeating Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal.
In Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda emerged as the APC candidate after Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the race.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also secured the APC governorship ticket after a peaceful primary exercise.
In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah won the party’s governorship primary, while Governor Uba Sani clinched the Kaduna APC ticket. Governors Dikko Radda of Katsina and Nasir Idris of Kebbi also secured their party tickets.
Gombe State recorded one of the biggest surprises after Jamilu Gwamna defeated former ministers Isa Pantami and Said Alkali in the governorship primary.
In Adamawa, Mustapha Salihu, Diaulhaq Abubakar and Ibrahim Thul stepped down for Ahmed Galadima, while in Abia, Mascot Uzor-Kalu withdrew from the race citing zoning and party unity.
The APC said the postponement in Kwara and Bauchi followed consultations aimed at ensuring peaceful and credible primaries, but political observers believe the crisis reflects growing internal pressure ahead of the elections.