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Fresh tension is spreading across several chapters of the All Progressives Congress following the disqualification of more than 150 aspirants during the party’s ongoing pre-primary screening exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections. The screening process, designed to reduce the number of contestants before party primaries, has triggered protests, petitions, legal threats, and accusations of candidate imposition in multiple states. 
According to reports, the crisis is affecting APC chapters in states including Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Benue, Plateau, Rivers, Kaduna, Kogi, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia. Many aggrieved aspirants alleged irregularities, manipulation by political godfathers, and lack of transparency in the screening process. In some states, supporters of disqualified aspirants have already staged protests, while others are preparing to challenge the decisions before appeal panels or in court. 
In Kano State, more than 20 aspirants seeking Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly tickets were reportedly screened out despite earlier consensus arrangements. In Jigawa, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Isah Idris, resigned from the APC and defected to the PDP after his disqualification. Rivers State also witnessed major controversy after 65 out of 98 Assembly aspirants were denied clearance, prompting accusations that the process favoured politicians aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike — allegations the APC denied. 
Similarly, in Taraba and Benue states, party members criticised what they described as attempts to impose preferred candidates through endorsements and selective screening outcomes. In Plateau State, some aspirants claimed they were verbally informed of their disqualification without receiving official communication, while party insiders warned that unresolved grievances could deepen internal divisions ahead of the primaries. 
Despite the growing unrest, APC leaders in several states have begun reconciliation meetings and appeal processes aimed at calming tensions and preventing defections or anti-party activities. Political analysts, however, warn that the increasing disputes over consensus arrangements, screening controversies, and internal democracy could pose a serious challenge to party unity as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections. 
