The All Progressives Congress in Nasarawa State has adopted the direct primary system for the selection of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections following the failure of attempts to produce consensus candidates for key elective positions.
The decision was reached during a high level stakeholders’ meeting convened by Governor Abdullahi Sule and attended by party leaders, political office holders, governorship aspirants and influential stakeholders from across the 13 local government areas of the state.
The development marks a significant political moment within the Nasarawa chapter of the ruling party as preparations intensify for the succession battle that will determine who succeeds Governor Sule at the end of his tenure.
Political observers say the adoption of direct primaries reflects the growing pressure within the APC to maintain internal democracy amid increasing competition among aspirants seeking the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Governor Sule explained that party stakeholders collectively resolved to adopt the direct primary option after consultations failed to produce a generally acceptable consensus arrangement.
According to him, the direct primary process remains the most transparent and democratic approach capable of giving all party members equal participation in the selection of candidates.
The governor noted that the method would allow registered APC members across wards and local government areas to directly vote for their preferred aspirants instead of leaving the process in the hands of selected delegates.
He stated that the decision was necessary in order to ensure fairness, inclusiveness and credibility within the party’s internal electoral process.
Governor Sule said the APC leadership in the state was determined to avoid unnecessary conflicts and allegations of imposition that often accompany consensus arrangements in Nigerian politics.
“We have several qualified aspirants with impressive political backgrounds and contributions to the party. Every one of them deserves a fair opportunity to test their popularity before party members,” the governor stated.
He stressed that the party remains committed to conducting a peaceful and transparent exercise in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the constitution of the APC.
The governor also reaffirmed his support for internal democracy, insisting that political parties can only remain strong when members are allowed to freely participate in leadership selection processes.
Sule explained that the direct primary model aligns with the position repeatedly advocated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has consistently supported wider participation of party members in candidate selection.
The governor further appealed to aspirants and their supporters to maintain unity and avoid actions capable of creating division within the party before and after the primaries.
According to him, all aspirants must accept the outcome of the exercise in good faith once the process is conducted fairly and transparently.
“Nobody should have any reason to leave the party after a transparent contest. Politics is about contest and acceptance of results. We must remain united regardless of the outcome,” he said.
The collapse of the consensus arrangement reportedly followed disagreements among stakeholders over efforts to narrow the contest in favour of preferred aspirants.
Sources within the party disclosed that consultations for a possible consensus candidate faced resistance from different political blocs and supporters who insisted on an open contest.
The succession battle in Nasarawa State has attracted growing attention in recent months as several influential politicians intensify consultations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the governorship race.
Among those frequently mentioned in political discussions is Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who is considered one of the leading figures in the unfolding succession calculations within the APC.
Other prominent politicians and government officials are also believed to be positioning themselves quietly for the contest as the political atmosphere gradually gathers momentum across the state.
The issue of consensus candidacy has remained a controversial subject within Nigeria’s political system, especially within major political parties where governors and powerful stakeholders often play significant roles in determining successors.
In many states, disagreements over succession arrangements have triggered internal crises, defections and legal battles capable of weakening party structures before general elections.
Political analysts believe the Nasarawa APC may have adopted direct primaries partly to avoid such tensions and preserve unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some observers argue that allowing ordinary party members to participate directly in the selection process could strengthen the legitimacy of whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.
Others, however, warn that direct primaries may also expose the party to fresh rivalries and logistical challenges due to the large number of participants expected to be involved in the exercise.
Despite those concerns, supporters of the decision insist that direct primaries remain more democratic than consensus arrangements, which are often criticised for favouring political elites and limiting wider participation.
The latest development in Nasarawa comes at a time when succession politics is beginning to dominate discussions across several states where governors are approaching the final phase of their tenure.
Political observers believe the coming months will witness increased alignments, negotiations and strategic alliances among aspirants and stakeholders seeking to influence the political direction of Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 elections.
For many party members and residents, attention is now focused on whether the APC can successfully manage its internal contest without creating divisions capable of affecting the party’s strength during the general election.
As political activities continue to intensify, the adoption of direct primaries has already positioned Nasarawa as one of the key states to watch in the evolving calculations ahead of the next election cycle.
