2027 Elections: APC Insists No Anointed Candidates in Lagos

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong warning to party members and officials against the premature endorsement of aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that no candidate has been officially approved.

In a statement released on Sunday, the state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, condemned what he described as “disturbing and unauthorized actions” by some Local Government chairmen who have been publicly presenting certain aspirants as consensus candidates.

Ojelabi stated that such actions undermine internal democracy in APC, as well as the principles of fairness and due process, warning that they could trigger unnecessary tension and division within the party.

“The party wishes to state unequivocally that such conduct is wrong, unacceptable, and a clear violation of the principles of internal democracy, fairness, and due process for which our great party is known,” he said.

He clarified that the Lagos APC has not released any guidelines, directives, or timetable for its forthcoming primaries, emphasizing that any attempt to project or anoint aspirants as consensus candidates remains premature, misleading, and unauthorized.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State APC has not issued any guidelines, directives, or timetable for the forthcoming primaries. Consequently, any attempt by any party official to project or anoint any aspirant as a consensus candidate is premature, misleading, and entirely without the authorisation of the party,” he added.

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The party chairman further warned that the APC would not hesitate to impose disciplinary sanctions on any official engaging in such acts, describing them as destabilising and capable of undermining party unity ahead of the elections.

He reassured members that all qualified aspirants would be given a level playing field, free from intimidation, coercion, or undue influence. He also urged party officials expected to serve as umpires during the primaries to maintain strict neutrality to ensure a credible process.

The warning comes amid growing political activities across Lagos, as early alignments and endorsements begin to surface ahead of 2027. Despite the party’s directive, some council chairmen in Ikorodu Division have declared support for the re-election of Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Ameen Apanisile, announced the endorsement on behalf of other council leaders, describing it as a deliberate decision based on the lawmaker’s track record and impact across the constituency.

“This endorsement is not made lightly. It is a deliberate decision rooted in proven performance, visible impact, and a steadfast commitment to the growth and development of Ikorodu Division,” Apanisile said.

He added that Benson has demonstrated consistent leadership at the federal level by delivering what he described as tangible dividends of democracy while effectively representing his constituents.

However, the endorsement highlights emerging political undercurrents within the party, as some stakeholders have also begun advocating for rotational representation in the constituency, reflecting early contestations ahead of the polls.

The Lagos APC leadership has consistently maintained that no anointed candidates for 2027 will be imposed, reiterating that all elective positions—including the governorship—will be open for contest through a transparent and democratic process.

Political observers believe the party’s firm stance is aimed at preventing internal crises, promoting unity, and ensuring that the eventual candidates emerge through credible primaries rather than informal endorsements.

2027 Elections: APC Insists No Anointed Candidates in Lagos

Defection Talks Collapse as Bala Mohammed, APC Disagree on Power-Sharing Formula

The proposed defection of Bala Mohammed from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stalled following a disagreement over control of party structures in Bauchi State.

Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in the state, Sama’ila Burga, disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists in Bauchi, stating that negotiations between the governor’s camp and the APC ended in a deadlock.

According to Burga, the crisis stemmed from the APC’s rejection of a proposed 60/40 power-sharing formula, which would have allowed the governor’s camp to retain majority control of the party structure in the state. He noted that similar arrangements had been adopted in previous defections involving sitting governors.

“The discussions have been closed. You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have significant control of the party,” Burga said.

He further revealed that the talks were initiated through engagements involving the APC’s national leadership and key stakeholders, including the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, who reportedly visited Bauchi to persuade Mohammed to join the ruling party.

Despite the collapse of negotiations with the APC, Burga said the governor and his supporters remain open to exploring alliances with other political platforms. He added that consultations were ongoing from the ward level up to the state level to determine the next political direction.

The development highlights the growing political realignments ahead of future electoral contests, particularly as governors and influential blocs seek strategic positioning within Nigeria’s shifting party landscape.

Burga insisted that the APC’s stance demonstrated its unwillingness to fully accommodate the PDP structure and the existing state government framework, ultimately leading to the breakdown of the talks.

Defection Talks Collapse as Bala Mohammed, APC Disagree on Power-Sharing Formula

“Is It Working Today?” — Tinubu Takes Swipe at Atiku’s Privatization Legacy

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a fresh swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his record on privatization and criticizing his political maneuvers.

Speaking in a remark that has since stirred political reactions, Tinubu described Atiku as the “head of the calabash,” a phrase often used to depict a leading figure within a coalition. He used the comment to cast doubt on Atiku’s past role as chairman of Nigeria’s privatization council, particularly pointing to the steel industry.

The president questioned the outcome of the privatization exercise, asking whether the sector is functioning effectively today, in what observers see as a direct critique of Atiku’s economic legacy.

Tinubu did not stop at economic issues. He also took aim at Atiku’s political history, alleging that the former vice president attempted to “privatize another man’s political party,” but was resisted. Though he did not mention specifics, the comment is widely interpreted as a reference to past internal party struggles involving Atiku.

The exchange highlights the deepening rivalry between the two political heavyweights, as alignments and coalition talks continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

Political analysts say Tinubu’s remarks are part of a broader effort to challenge Atiku’s credibility on governance and reform, while reinforcing his own administration’s stance on economic management and political leadership.

“Is It Working Today?” — Tinubu Takes Swipe at Atiku’s Privatization Legacy