Crisis has erupted within the ruling party, All Progressives Congress(APC) after more than 150 aspirants were disqualified during screening exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development has triggered protests, petitions, resignations, threats of lawsuits and accusations of candidate imposition across several states including Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Rivers and Plateau.
In Taraba, Kano and Kaduna, aggrieved party members rejected consensus arrangements and endorsements of certain candidates, warning against political manipulation and imposition.
In Jigawa and Ebonyi, some affected aspirants left the APC, while in Anambra, about 30 members were expelled for taking legal action against the party.
Rivers recorded one of the highest figures, with 65 aspirants disqualified and 33 cleared, while about 40 House of Assembly aspirants were screened out in Benue.
Several aspirants accused the party of irregularities, lack of transparency and failure to officially communicate screening outcomes.
Political analysts warned that unresolved grievances and increasing reliance on consensus arrangements could deepen divisions within the APC and threaten party unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
