APC Faces Internal Crisis As Primaries Trigger Mass Defections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with a deepening crisis following its nationwide primaries. Instead of consolidating President Bola Tinubu’s political base ahead of the 2027 elections, the ruling party has been rocked by defections, disputes, and disillusionment among its ranks.

Pantami’s Defection
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Pantami secured the PDP governorship ticket in Gombe State after withdrawing from the APC race, citing violations of the Electoral Act and imposition of candidates. His move sets up a fierce contest against APC’s Jamilu Gwamna in 2027.

Former Police Chiefs Exit
The exodus continued with former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu resigning from the APC after losing the Nasarawa governorship primary. Adamu accused the party of eroding internal democracy and announced plans to contest under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Another former IGP, Usman Baba Alkali, also left the party, signaling cracks among APC’s influential figures.

Benue and Gombe Losses
In Benue State, former Speaker Hyacinth Dajoh defected to the PDP, alleging manipulation in the primaries. Former Governor Samuel Ortom welcomed him. Similarly, Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro abandoned the APC for the PDP in Gombe South, saying the opposition party better represents his district’s aspirations.

Lawmakers Trapped
While big names flee, many APC lawmakers remain trapped. Nearly 60 National Assembly members lost their return tickets. Ironically, the anti-defection clause in the Electoral Act 2026—passed by these same lawmakers—now prevents them from switching parties after membership registers were submitted to INEC. This provision, designed to weaken opposition, has become a cage for aggrieved APC members.

High-Profile Casualties
Among the notable figures sidelined were former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who lost heavily in Delta Central, and Senator Ned Nwoko, defeated in Delta North by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. In Imo West, Governor Hope Uzodimma blocked Rochas Okorocha’s return bid. Former Ogun governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun opted out entirely, refusing to contest under disputed conditions.

Voices of Dissent
Discontent runs deep. Ekiti lawmaker Kolawole Akinlayo dismissed the primaries as fraudulent, claiming results were written in Government Houses rather than decided by voters. Others have filed petitions, hoping internal review processes will offer redress.

APC’s Response
The APC insists the primaries are not yet final. Party spokesman Abimbola Tooki stressed that winners will only be declared after appeals are concluded. He accused some politicians of using media propaganda to discredit the process. Kwara APC chairman Sunday Fagbemi urged members to accept defeat with sportsmanship, saying politics requires resilience.

The Bigger Picture
Despite official reassurances, the defections and grievances point to a party in turmoil. With prominent figures already gone and many more weighing their options, APC faces a test of survival. The appeals process may calm some tensions, but the steady stream of departures suggests the ruling party is managing a hemorrhage rather than a minor bruise.

The coming months will reveal whether APC can contain the fallout or whether the primaries mark the beginning of a broader unraveling ahead of the 2027 elections.