By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly relaxed its push for consensus arrangements ahead of the House of Representatives shadow elections following growing resistance from party aspirants and members across several states.
The development emerged on May 14, 2026, as internal disagreements, protests, and accusations of candidate imposition threatened to deepen divisions within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Reports indicated that several APC stakeholders demanded a more transparent selection process after failed negotiations over consensus candidates in multiple constituencies.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reacting to the growing tension, warned party members against “do-or-die politics” and urged aspirants to embrace fairness, sportsmanship, and internal democracy throughout the primary process.
“We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us,” Tinubu said while calling on party members to remain united even where consensus arrangements fail.
The APC leadership subsequently moved toward direct primaries in several constituencies where consensus negotiations collapsed, especially in politically sensitive states already experiencing internal disputes and protests over alleged imposition of candidates.
Political observers say the situation reflects increasing pressure within the ruling party as aspirants intensify competition for tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, with internal democracy likely to become a major issue in the coming months.
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