The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced plans to adopt direct primaries for the selection of its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
The development was disclosed by the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, in a trending video on Thursday, where he stated that party members from across the country would participate directly in choosing the party’s flagbearer in Abuja.
According to Basiru, the presidential primary contest is expected to feature President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an Edo State businessman, Osifo Stanley, who reportedly purchased the APC presidential nomination forms worth N100 million.
The move comes amid growing internal disagreements over the earlier consensus arrangement adopted by the party in some states. While the APC in Ogun State was reportedly able to settle on a consensus governorship candidate, disputes have continued in other elective positions.
In Ogun East Senatorial District, a political battle is said to be brewing between Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel over the party’s senatorial ticket. Similarly, in Oyo State, tensions have persisted over the governorship ticket as Senator Sharafadeen Alli and former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, are both believed to enjoy support from influential figures within the party.
Political observers say the decision to embrace direct primaries may be aimed at reducing internal conflicts and giving party members a greater role in the candidate selection process.
Meanwhile, reactions from Nigerians on social media have continued to trail the announcement.
Some commentators described the process as a mere formality, insisting that President Tinubu remains the dominant figure within the ruling party and is widely expected to secure the ticket.
Others, however, praised the APC for maintaining internal democratic procedures despite the president’s strong influence within the party.
A social media user, Emeka Ezeanya, criticised the process, alleging that the contest lacked serious opposition and suggesting that the outcome was already predictable.
Another commentator, identified as Niyi, defended the party’s approach, arguing that conducting direct primaries sends a message of unity and transparency within the APC.
Others also called on the party leadership to extend the direct primary model to governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives contests in states currently experiencing internal disputes.
The development comes as President Tinubu continues political consultations and engagements ahead of the next election cycle.
Recently, the Nigerian leader reportedly met with international investors in Paris, France, where discussions focused on attracting more investment opportunities into Nigeria.
