All eyes are on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as it prepares to release the final list of cleared aspirants for the 2027 elections, a decision that will determine the political future of thousands across the country.
At the centre of the process is President Bola Tinubu, who has already been screened and granted a waiver by the party, alongside his only known challenger, Osifo Stanley. Their inclusion sets the stage for what could become a defining presidential primary contest within the party.
The screening exercise, conducted between May 8 and 12, reportedly involved nearly 3,000 aspirants vying for positions ranging from the presidency to state assembly seats. This includes 28 governorship hopefuls, 109 Senate aspirants, and hundreds seeking seats in the House of Representatives and state legislatures.
Among the high-profile figures awaiting clearance is Hope Uzodimma, whose senatorial ambition has sparked internal concerns within the APC. Party leaders are said to be uneasy about the possibility of him holding overlapping political roles if elected, given that his governorship tenure extends into 2028.
In Ogun State, political tension is rising as Gbenga Daniel prepares for a fierce contest against the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun, over the Ogun East senatorial seat. Both camps have intensified mobilization efforts, with competing claims of grassroots support and legitimacy.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Kalu is also in the spotlight as he eyes the Abia State governorship. His candidacy has faced scrutiny following allegations regarding his academic and service timeline, though he has pushed back against the claims.
Beyond individual ambitions, the APC leadership has issued a strong warning to aspirants and their supporters, stressing that the primaries must be conducted peacefully. The party’s National Chairman cautioned that any attempt to incite violence, manipulate the process, or engage in anti-party activities would attract strict disciplinary actions, including suspension.
Despite moves by some party leaders to promote consensus candidates, many aspirants are insisting on direct primaries, rejecting any form of imposition. This growing resistance signals potential internal clashes as the party navigates competing interests ahead of the elections.
As the list of cleared aspirants is set to be released, today’s announcement is expected to reshape alliances, settle disputes, and possibly ignite new political battles within the APC as the race toward 2027 intensifies.