Petitions, protests, legal threats and accusations of imposition have trailed the ongoing screening of aspirants by the ruling All Progressives Congress across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections, exposing widening cracks within the party over the use of consensus arrangements and the disqualification of aspirants.
Investigations by My News HQ revealed that aggrieved aspirants in states including Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Plateau are mobilising petitions and possible legal challenges over the outcome of the party’s screening exercises.
The screening exercise forms part of the APC’s nationwide process aimed at reducing the number of aspirants ahead of the party primaries. However, the exercise has already generated controversy in several states, with disqualified aspirants expected to seek redress through appeal committees.
In some states, protests have already erupted, while in others, party stakeholders warned that attempts to impose candidates could trigger defections, anti-party activities and deepen internal divisions ahead of the primaries.
In Taraba State, the endorsement of incumbent lawmakers, reportedly backed by party stakeholders after the screening exercise, sparked fierce backlash, particularly in Taraba North Senatorial District, where youth groups and stakeholders openly rejected the endorsement of Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau.A stakeholder from Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Paul Penuel, described the senator’s tenure as “a complete failure,” insisting that there was “no record of impactful projects, no policy footprint, and nothing measurable” to justify another term.Another constituent, Dickson Kwinde, warned that repeating what he called a “costly political mistake” could alienate voters.
“A mistake like this must never be repeated. The people of Taraba North cannot continue to be taken for granted,” he said.
Similarly, the Coalition of Concerned Youths and Voice of the Proletariat in Karim Lamido rejected the senator’s endorsement.“
We categorically state that we do not support Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau for any position. As far as we are concerned, he has nothing to show for his years in office and does not deserve another mandate,” the group stated through its convener, Godwin Karim.
Party sources disclosed that some aggrieved aspirants had begun preparing petitions against the screening outcome, alleging procedural irregularities, manipulation by political godfathers and attempts to impose consensus candidates without adequate consultation.
Some aspirants were also said to be considering protests and legal action if the appeal process failed to address their grievances.
Efforts are reportedly ongoing to reconcile the aggrieved members and prevent possible defections or anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Kano State, no fewer than 20 aspirants seeking Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly tickets were screened out despite earlier consensus arrangements.
“A mistake like this must never be repeated. The people of Taraba North cannot continue to be taken for granted,” he said.
Similarly, the Coalition of Concerned Youths and Voice of the Proletariat in Karim Lamido rejected the senator’s endorsement.
“We categorically state that we do not support Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau for any position. As far as we are concerned, he has nothing to show for his years in office and does not deserve another mandate,” the group stated through its convener, Godwin Karim.
Party sources disclosed that some aggrieved aspirants had begun preparing petitions against the screening outcome, alleging procedural irregularities, manipulation by political godfathers and attempts to impose consensus candidates without adequate consultation.
Some aspirants were also said to be considering protests and legal action if the appeal process failed to address their grievances.
Efforts are reportedly ongoing to reconcile the aggrieved members and prevent possible defections or anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Kano State, no fewer than 20 aspirants seeking Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly tickets were screened out despite earlier consensus arrangements.
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