Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, may be at variance over the mode of primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, LEADERSHIP Sunday learnt yesterday.
Although the national leadership of the party, alongside the Presidency, have yet to take a definite stance on the mode of party primary, it was learnt that APC governors are pushing for the adoption of the indirect primary system for the party’s 2026 primaries.
Although the APC governors finally met with Yilwatda recently at his Abuja residence when they paid a condolence visit over the demise of his mother, it was unclear if they discussed politics.
However, it was learnt that Yilwatda is reluctant to meet the governors formally without first obtaining approval from President Bola Tinubu, the party’s national leader.
But the Imo State governor and chairman of the APC governors forum, Sen Hope Uzodimma, told LEADERSHIP that they would abide by the party’s decision in respect of the mode of primaries.
He responded to inquiries by LEADERSHIP on the matter through his chief press secretary, Hon. Oguwike Nwachuku.
Party sources said an understanding was reached between the governors and the immediate past national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, on the mode of primaries before his resignation.
According to insiders, the governors believe the indirect primary model would enable them to leverage their control of state party structures to influence the emergence of National Assembly candidates and consolidate their hold on the party.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ganduje’s resignation was a “rude shock” to the governors.
“They were confident that Ganduje would support their agenda. His resignation disrupted their plans. President Tinubu’s decision to back Yilwatda’s emergence and extend the tenure of party executives at all levels also unsettled them.
“So they have been trying to see the national chairman to seal the deal they had with Ganduje as regards how they will stamp their control through the delegates primary because that gives them an edge in terms of who they want as successors or whoever they choose to support for any other elective office.”
At state level, governors are in party structures, and to an extent the national executive committee.
It was gathered that a concern of losing such ground influenced the move to get the new national chairman on their side.
“But they have forgotten that President Tinubu is not Buhari who stays indifferent; he is not just in charge but in firm control of the party. You know it. He would prefer direct primary, no doubt; and the governors know this much. It means they have to be on the same page with the leader of the party on anything concerning the choice of candidates.
“Yilwatda is wary of repeating the mistakes of his predecessor. He won’t engage the governors without the president’s consent. President Tinubu wants a rancour-free primary process, which is why he has not approved dates for the congresses yet. He still remembers the chaos of the 2018 congresses that nearly tore the party apart,” the source said.
The chieftain added that there were concerns about “certain elements” within the coalition group against President Tinubu’s second term bid waiting for an opportunity to disrupt the party in case it wants to hold congresses to elect new executives.
“Unfortunately, many governors are too focused on their own agenda to see the bigger picture. With Yilwatda in charge, it will be difficult for them to have their way. The national chairman won’t act against the Presidency’s interest,” the source stated.
Since assuming office on July 24, Yilwatda is believed to have been briefed on the alleged deal between the governors and his predecessor.
It was further learnt that the new national chairman’s cautious approach is an attempt to avoid being used to undermine the president’s strategy for the party ahead of the 2027.
Sources in the Presidency say Tinubu has kept his preferred primary model close to his chest to prevent any political bloc from gaining an early advantage.
A party chieftain who also spoke off record said the president was likely to stick with the direct primary model, which the APC has consistently used since 2023.
The direct mode of primary was used to pick Governors Monday Okpebholo and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Edo and Ondo states respectively during their run for the governorship of their states.
Reacting, Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma said as a responsible and responsive party stakeholders would abide by the party’s decision in respect of the mode of primaries.
The chief press secretary to the governor, Hon. Oguwike Nwachuku told LEADERSHIP Sunday that the governor was working assiduously for the success of the party at all levels and would continue to support every template aimed at sustaining the progressive and stability of the party.
“APC is one united family and will continue to speak with one voice for the overall interest of the nation,” he said.
