The All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified efforts to calm tensions among aggrieved aspirants following widespread changes to its list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, amid concerns that a wave of lawsuits could trigger internal instability ahead of the crucial polls.
Although the ruling party has not publicly appealed to dissatisfied members to refrain from seeking legal redress, multiple indications suggest that behind-the-scenes reconciliation efforts are underway to prevent disputes from escalating into courtroom battles.
The controversy erupted after APC's final list of candidates submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) became public, revealing sweeping alterations to the outcomes of the party's primaries.
The list, contained in a letter jointly signed by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Dr. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, covered seven senatorial districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies across Kogi, Abia, Benue, Taraba, Ondo, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna and Ebonyi states.
The revisions followed recommendations by the party's Primary Election Appeals Committee, which reviewed complaints arising from the primaries. As a result, 26 prominent aspirants, including former governors, serving lawmakers and other high-profile politicians who had initially emerged victorious, were replaced with new candidates.
According to APC, the substitutions were made in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines after a comprehensive review of petitions submitted by contestants dissatisfied with the conduct and outcomes of the primaries.
Among the most notable changes were the replacement of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, in Benue North East Senatorial District with Senator Emmanuel Udende, and the substitution of former Customs officer Benjamin Aber in Benue North West with Senator Titus Zam. In Kogi West, Samuel Aro was replaced by the incumbent senator, Sunday Karimi.
Several other senatorial and House of Representatives candidates across the affected states also lost their tickets following the review process.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, disclosed that the party received more than 700 petitions from aggrieved aspirants across the country and subjected each complaint to a detailed review.
“We received over 700 petitions after the primaries and thoroughly reviewed every single one of them. Some petitions succeeded and led to corrections, while others did not,” Morka said.
He explained that the final list submitted to INEC reflected both candidates who emerged unchallenged from the primaries and those who eventually prevailed through the appeals process.
“In a few cases, the appeal outcomes altered the original results, and decisions were taken accordingly. What we have now is the final position of the review,” he added.
Despite the party's assurances, dissatisfaction continues to simmer in some quarters.
In Kogi West, party stakeholders have already petitioned the APC national leadership, alleging the unlawful substitution of Samuel Aro with Senator Karimi. The petitioners warned that such actions could damage party unity and weaken its electoral prospects.
Faced with growing discontent, APC leaders have begun activating internal reconciliation mechanisms aimed at persuading aggrieved members to remain within the fold rather than challenge the party in court.
Morka said the party was engaging affected aspirants directly and reassuring them that the review process was transparent and devoid of favoritism.
“When people do not win, it is natural for some to feel dissatisfied. That is why we painstakingly reviewed every appeal to ensure fairness and transparency,” he said during a recent appearance on ARISE NEWS.
He stressed that party officials were reaching out to those affected to convince them that the decisions were based on due process rather than personal interests.
“What we tell them is simple: not everyone can emerge as a flag bearer. Our engagements are ongoing to reassure them that no one was arbitrarily favoured,” Morka stated.
Party insiders also confirmed that efforts are being made at state and national levels to prevent litigation that could distract the APC ahead of the elections.
A senior APC figure, speaking anonymously, said party leaders were contacting affected aspirants through influential stakeholders in their respective states to encourage reconciliation.
“We want them to understand that litigation at this stage will not help the party. The focus now is on unity and preparing for the 2027 elections,” the source said.
Another party chieftain disclosed that some aggrieved aspirants could be accommodated through appointments, campaign roles and other political opportunities as part of broader peace-building efforts.
Meanwhile, reconciliation initiatives have gained momentum in states such as Oyo, where party leaders have pledged to ensure that dissatisfied members are not sidelined.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Oyo APC Reconciliation Committee in Ibadan, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and Prof. Taoreed Adedoja assured party members that every effort would be made to address grievances arising from the congresses and primaries.
State APC Chairman, Moses Adeyemo, acknowledged that the exercises had left some members unhappy but warned against allowing those grievances to evolve into a crisis capable of harming the party's electoral fortunes.
“We know that some members are aggrieved by the outcomes of the congresses and primaries, but we cannot allow these disagreements to undermine our chances at the polls,” Adeyemo said.
He added that the party remained committed to dialogue and reconciliation as it seeks to consolidate its strength ahead of the 2027 general election and rally support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.
With resentment still lingering in several constituencies and no legal challenge yet filed, APC's ability to successfully manage internal disputes may prove critical to preserving party unity and maintaining momentum as the countdown to the 2027 elections gathers pace.
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