APC Empowers Governors To Calm Anger Over Candidates’ List

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly empowered governors to distribute and fill out Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms amid growing anger over its candidates’ list in several states.

Vanguard gathered that although the National Working Committee (NWC) forwarded the forms to State Working Committees, candidates backed by governors and key stakeholders are more likely to receive them.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the party received more than 700 petitions from its disputed primaries.

He said the party’s immediate priority was to ensure that candidates complete their forms before INEC’s July 11 deadline.

“They are to complete and return the forms to the party for upload to the INEC portal, so, making the list public is not our priority now,” Morka said.

He added that the party would eventually release the full list.

APC governors, at an emergency meeting held at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, resolved to meet the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over the fallout from the primaries.

The meeting was presided over by the Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodinma.

Tinubu Gives Governors Free Hand

Findings indicated that President Bola Tinubu largely kept his promise to allow governors to influence candidate selection in their states.

In Gombe, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has presented INEC nomination forms to the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, and National Assembly candidates.

By May 29, 2027, eight APC governors are expected to complete their second terms and leave office.

In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his successor.

In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule endorsed Senator Ahmed Aliyu-Wadada, though the decision drew objections from some party leaders.

In Borno, Governor Babagana Zulum’s preferred successor, Mustapha Gubio, emerged as consensus candidate after reconciliation efforts led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.