Internal tensions within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress intensified over the weekend after chaotic scenes reportedly disrupted House of Representatives primary elections in several states across the country.
The primaries, held on May 16 ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections, were affected by allegations of irregular vote counting, abrupt suspension of voting exercises, disputes over delegate accreditation, and incidents of violence in states including Imo, Delta, Ebonyi, and Lagos.
The controversies have sparked frustration among party members, aspirants, and supporters, with critics warning that unresolved disputes could deepen internal divisions within the APC as political realignments ahead of 2027 continue to gather momentum.
Among the most widely discussed developments was the withdrawal of celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest from the Imo State House of Representatives contest, a move that generated intense reactions online and within party circles.
Chaotic Scenes Reported in Multiple States
Reports from different parts of the country described confusion and tension during several APC primary contests.
In some locations, party members allegedly protested inconsistent vote counting procedures and disputed delegate lists, while others complained about sudden cancellations or interruptions of voting exercises.
Eyewitness accounts from parts of Imo and Delta states described heated confrontations between supporters of rival aspirants, with some voting venues reportedly descending into disorder before security personnel intervened.
In Ebonyi and Lagos, party members also raised concerns over transparency and fairness in the conduct of the primaries.
Several aspirants reportedly accused local party officials of manipulating processes in favor of preferred candidates.
The disputed outcomes have already triggered calls for appeals and internal reviews within the party structure.
Incumbents Express Shock Over Outcomes
Some serving lawmakers and political aspirants reportedly reacted with surprise and frustration following the controversial exercises.
One of the most discussed cases involved Ngozi Okolie, who was reportedly left stunned by developments surrounding the primary process in Delta State.
Supporters of affected aspirants argued that irregularities during the exercises undermined confidence in the credibility of the selection process.
Others insisted that the primaries reflected deeper struggles for influence and control within APC structures at both state and national levels.
Political analysts say tensions surrounding candidate selection often intensify ahead of major elections because legislative seats are viewed as strategically important for political survival and regional influence.
Cubana Chief Priest Withdraws From Imo Race
In Imo State, attention focused heavily on Cubana Chief Priest, whose interest in the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East federal constituency race had attracted widespread media attention.
The celebrity businessman eventually withdrew from the contest, citing respect for the zoning arrangement favoring incumbent lawmaker Canice More Nwachukwu.
The withdrawal generated mixed reactions among supporters and critics.
Some praised the move as politically mature and respectful of local agreements, while others questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Shortly after stepping away from the race, Cubana Chief Priest appeared in videos from a recording studio dismissing criticism and insisting that his decision was voluntary and strategic.
The businessman maintained that he remained loyal to the party and committed to future political participation.
Seyi Tinubu Shows Support
The controversy also drew attention after Seyi Tinubu reportedly offered words of encouragement to Cubana Chief Priest through social media.
The interaction quickly circulated online and fueled further debate regarding political alliances and influence within APC circles ahead of the 2027 elections.
Supporters interpreted the gesture as evidence of continued backing for younger political figures and influential grassroots mobilizers within the ruling party.
Critics, however, argued that celebrity involvement and elite endorsements increasingly shape internal party dynamics in ways that may overshadow ordinary delegates and local structures.
APC Defends Primary Process
Despite growing criticism, APC officials defended the conduct of the primaries and urged aggrieved aspirants to pursue official appeal mechanisms rather than escalate tensions publicly.
Party representatives insisted that the electoral exercises generally complied with internal guidelines despite isolated disputes and logistical challenges.
Officials also emphasized that disagreements are common during competitive political contests and can be resolved through established party procedures.
Some APC leaders warned that public attacks against the party risk weakening internal unity at a time when opposition coalitions are attempting to strengthen ahead of 2027.
Internal Divisions Becoming More Visible
Political observers say the controversies surrounding the primaries reveal increasing internal competition within the ruling party as political actors position themselves for the next election cycle.
Since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, APC has experienced growing tensions involving zoning arrangements, candidate selection, regional influence, and power distribution.
Analysts believe the stakes are especially high because the 2027 elections are expected to involve intense competition not only between parties but also within major political blocs.
The emergence of new opposition alliances and shifting loyalties across the political landscape have further increased pressure on parties to maintain internal cohesion.
Social Media Amplifies Political Disputes
Videos and reports from the primaries spread rapidly across social media platforms throughout the weekend, intensifying public scrutiny of the APC’s internal processes.
Clips showing arguments, protests, and chaotic scenes at some venues generated widespread reactions from Nigerians online.
Supporters of different aspirants used social media to accuse rivals of manipulation and unfair practices, while critics questioned whether the party could effectively manage internal democracy ahead of the national elections.
The growing influence of social media in Nigerian politics has increasingly transformed local party disputes into national conversations within hours.
Concerns Over Future Party Unity
The disputed primaries have raised concerns among some APC members regarding party unity heading toward 2027.
Analysts warn that unresolved grievances could encourage defections or weaken grassroots mobilization efforts in key constituencies.
Several political observers pointed to past election cycles in which internal disputes significantly affected party performance in strategic states.
Some party loyalists therefore urged APC leaders to quickly address complaints and reconcile aggrieved aspirants before tensions deepen further.
Opposition Watching Closely
The internal disputes within APC are also being closely monitored by opposition parties seeking opportunities to capitalize on divisions within the ruling party.
Emerging opposition coalitions and regional political movements have increasingly targeted dissatisfied APC members as potential allies ahead of the next election cycle.
Political analysts believe how APC manages its internal disputes over the coming months could significantly shape the broader political environment leading into 2027.
For now, however, the controversies surrounding the House of Representatives primaries have exposed the growing intensity of political competition already unfolding within Nigeria’s ruling party.
As appeals, negotiations, and political calculations continue behind the scenes, attention is expected to remain fixed on whether APC leaders can restore calm and maintain unity after one of the party’s most turbulent primary exercises in recent years.
