About 30 governors under the All Progressives Congress, including Hope Uzodimma, Siminalayi Fubara and former Oyo State Secretary to the Government, Sarafadeen Alli, have reportedly secured clearance to participate in the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
Party insiders disclosed that the release of the screening report has been delayed due to a large number of petitions submitted against some aspirants.
As part of preparations to meet the timetable set by Independent National Electoral Commission, the APC had earlier scheduled May 13 for the publication of the names of cleared aspirants.
Sources revealed that nearly 3,000 aspirants were screened for various elective positions, including the presidency, governorships, National Assembly seats and state assembly positions.
Despite expectations, the party had yet to officially release the report as of late Tuesday night.
A senior party official explained that the screening exercise was still under review to ensure all complaints and petitions were properly addressed before publication.
The source noted that several petitions were received from the different screening panels, adding that each complaint would be treated individually based on merit.
Reacting to claims that Governor Fubara had been disqualified, the party source dismissed the reports, insisting that no APC governor had been removed from the process.
According to the official, governors traditionally enjoy strong backing from the party leadership, with some, including Governor Uzodimma, reportedly receiving automatic clearance.
The source further disclosed that the APC leadership was pushing for consensus arrangements in order to maintain unity ahead of the elections.
However, where consensus fails, the party plans to conduct direct primaries in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Party officials also expressed concern that some influential aspirants were unwilling to accept consensus arrangements and could resort to legal action if dissatisfied.
Meanwhile, another source indicated that former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who is seeking the Oyo governorship ticket, may face challenges during the clearance process, while Sarafadeen Alli was said to enjoy strong backing within the party.
In Ogun State, disagreements have continued over the Ogun East senatorial ticket involving Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel.
The Ogun State government criticised Daniel over his recent comments against Governor Abiodun, accusing him of attacking the same consensus arrangement that allegedly helped him secure the APC senatorial ticket in 2023.
The government described the senator’s criticisms as politically motivated and linked to his alleged declining influence within the party.
However, aides to Senator Daniel rejected the claims, insisting he emerged through a legitimate delegate election where he recorded a landslide victory over other contenders.
In Oyo State, governorship aspirants within the APC warned against any attempt to impose a candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship primary.
The aspirants, who met in Ibadan, stressed that while they were open to consensus arrangements, such agreements must be transparent and democratic.
They reaffirmed loyalty to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership but condemned alleged attempts to manipulate the process through inducement and political pressure.
In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa reportedly agreed to adopt direct primaries after pressure from the APC National Working Committee.
The governor had initially supported consensus arrangements before resistance emerged from aspirants and stakeholders within the state chapter.
Ahead of the exercise, the Ondo State Police Command has commenced show-of-force operations across parts of the state to prevent violence and maintain security during the primaries.
Police authorities warned that acts such as political violence, voter intimidation and cult-related disturbances would not be tolerated throughout the exercise.