Inside APC Power Struggle as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Eye Senate Control

Inside APC Power Struggle as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Eye Senate Control

Political tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly deepening as the face-off between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole is increasingly being interpreted as an early signal of a wider power struggle ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party insiders say the disagreement is part of a broader realignment within the ruling party, with control of the National Assembly leadership and the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) emerging as key battlegrounds for influence ahead of the next political cycle.

Sources familiar with developments in the party disclosed that recent tensions were partly triggered by a failed attempt to restructure leadership within the PGF, including moves linked to the possible removal of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma as chairman of the forum. Although the plan was later reversed, insiders say it exposed underlying fractures within the APC, especially among competing blocs aligned to different power centres within the presidency and party hierarchy.

There are also claims that some influential actors within the political establishment had supported discussions around replacing Uzodinma with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, further intensifying speculation about internal political realignment within the APC.

At the heart of the growing tension is the struggle for control of the Senate leadership structure, which insiders say is already shaping alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Reports suggest that Senate President Akpabio has begun positioning for influence over a possible self-succession arrangement in the upper chamber, a move that has reportedly unsettled rival political blocs within the party.

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Although the next National Assembly elections are still months away, political calculations have already begun, with lawmakers quietly engaging in lobbying and strategic positioning for key leadership roles.

Senator Oshiomhole is also believed to be interested in the Senate Presidency, a factor that has contributed to rising tensions within the Senate leadership structure. Other political heavyweights reportedly considering the same position include former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari and other influential figures within the APC, setting the stage for what insiders describe as a high-stakes leadership contest after the 2027 elections.

Political observers say the unfolding rivalry reflects deeper succession politics within the APC, with multiple blocs already positioning themselves ahead of the post-2027 political order. The tensions are also linked to broader efforts to influence both legislative and executive power structures, including governorship alignments, Senate leadership control, and party hierarchy restructuring.

Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong influence over the party and National Assembly since 2023, analysts note that internal competition has remained active beneath the surface, with various factions seeking greater control ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The current situation also brings back memories of the 2023 Senate leadership race, where despite strong backing for Akpabio, Senator Yari reportedly mounted a significant challenge and secured substantial support, highlighting the competitive nature of internal APC power struggles.

As political actors continue to position themselves ahead of 2027, the Akpabio–Oshiomhole rift is increasingly seen as a reflection of deeper structural tensions within the APC. Analysts warn that how the party manages these emerging divisions may play a crucial role in determining its cohesion, legislative stability, and electoral strength in the next general election.

Inside APC Power Struggle as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Eye Senate Control