The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has adopted direct primary elections for the 2027 [1] governorship and other elective positions.

This decision marks a significant shift in the party's internal strategy, moving away from a consensus-building process that collapsed. The move is intended to prevent internal fractures and ensure that the selection of candidates remains transparent as the general election approaches.

Party leadership announced the shift after a consensus arrangement failed to gain traction among the stakeholders. The party said the adoption of direct primaries is necessary to ensure fairness and equity for all party members and aspirants [1], [3]. By allowing a broader vote, the APC aims to mitigate grievances from those who felt excluded by the previous negotiation process.

Reports indicate that three prominent APC politicians rejected the initial consensus arrangement [3]. Their opposition contributed to the collapse of the agreement, prompting the leadership to seek a more democratic method of candidate selection to maintain party unity.

Direct primaries allow registered party members to vote for their preferred candidates, rather than leaving the decision to a small group of delegates, or party executives. This method is often viewed as a way to increase the legitimacy of the eventual nominee in the eyes of the general electorate.

While the party emphasizes a commitment to fairness, some internal contradictions remain regarding the selection process. Some reports suggest the APC is committed to direct primaries, while other accounts suggest a tendency toward imposing candidates [2]. Despite these conflicting views, the official stance remains that the direct primary route will be the mechanism used to resolve the leadership contest for 2027 [1].

“The APC in Nasarawa State has adopted direct primary elections for the 2027 governorship.”

The shift to direct primaries reflects a tension between the APC's desire for a controlled transition of power and the demands of its rank-and-file members for democratic inclusion. By abandoning the consensus model, the party is attempting to neutralize internal opposition and prevent high-profile defections before the 2027 cycle, though the success of this move depends on the party's ability to manage the resulting competition among aspirants.