Pre-primary screening: Tension mounts as APC panels disqualify over 150 aspirants

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently navigating a period of significant internal friction as pre-primary screening results have led to the disqualification of over 150 aspirants across several states.

The situation has sparked widespread tension within the party, with affected aspirants and their supporters alleging that the exercise is a "calculated attempt" to favor anointed candidates and enforce consensus arrangements

Key Developments as of May 13, 2026
Mass Disqualifications: While the specific reasons for each disqualification vary, many were reportedly sidelined for "insufficient documentation," "failure to meet party loyalty requirements," or "discrepancies in credentials."

The Rivers State Epicenter: The situation is particularly volatile in Rivers State, where the Screening Appeal Committee (led by human rights lawyer Dr. Abdul Mahmud) affirmed the disqualification of 65 aspirants for the State House of Assembly. Only 33 aspirants were cleared to participate in the primaries.

Allegations of Bias: There is a growing outcry from stakeholders who claim the screening panels are being used to "pave the way" for loyalists of high-ranking party leaders. In Rivers, the party leadership has had to publicly deny allegations that they are favoring loyalists of former governor Nyesom Wike.

Legal Threats & Defections: Disqualified aspirants have begun issuing legal threats, with some promising to seek court injunctions to halt the primaries. There are also reports of disgruntled aspirants contemplating defections to other parties, such as the New Democratic Congress (NDC) or the PDP, which could weaken the APC's base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oyo State Shift: Amid the disqualification crisis elsewhere, the Oyo State chapter is reportedly leaning toward direct primaries in certain areas to avoid the backlash associated with consensus arrangements, though "rethinking" and "consensus" are still being encouraged by party leadership.

The APC National Secretariat is reportedly working to manage the fallout through the Appeal Committees, but analysts warn that if these grievances are not addressed, the party faces a high risk of internal implosion or a surge in "anti-party" activities during the main elections.