The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that it is receiving multiple APC primaries petitions following its screening exercise for aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as it released a list of cleared candidates, including governors and key political figures such as Hope Uzodimma, Siminalayi Fubara and Sarafadeen Alli.
The party said the petitions are being reviewed by relevant screening and appeal panels as part of its internal processes for resolving disputes arising from the primaries preparation. The development comes amid increasing internal contestation over nominations across several states.
The disclosure followed the publication of cleared aspirants for various elective positions, including presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and state assembly seats. Party officials said the screening exercise involved nearly 3,000 aspirants nationwide.
According to party sources, the APC primaries petitions stem from complaints submitted by aspirants who were either not cleared or who are contesting the conditions under which screening and consensus arrangements were conducted. Some of the petitions reportedly challenge disqualification decisions, while others question alleged irregularities in the screening process.
The APC screening structure reportedly involved multiple panels handling different categories of aspirants. Officials noted that petitions received are being treated on their merit in line with party guidelines and internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
A party source said the screening process is part of preparations to meet timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections. The source also confirmed that the party is still consolidating reports from various screening committees before finalising full publication of approved candidates.
Concerns over consensus arrangements and direct primaries have also contributed to the rising number of APC primaries petitions, as some aspirants argue that internal agreements were not transparently implemented. In some states, disputes have emerged over alleged imposition of candidates and disagreements over delegate participation.
The party has maintained that no governor or major aspirant has been unfairly excluded, insisting that all decisions follow established guidelines. It also stated that its appeal panels are open to reviewing complaints submitted within stipulated timelines.
Among those cleared, according to party sources, are serving and former governors, lawmakers, and other political stakeholders across different geopolitical zones. The party said the screening process remains ongoing until all appeals and petitions are concluded.
Political observers note that the volume of APC primaries petitions reflects the scale of internal competition within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in states where high-profile aspirants are contesting key positions. The APC is expected to conclude its review process before final primaries are conducted in line with the electoral timetable.
