APC Faces Internal Leadership Disputes in Benue and Bauchi Ahead of 2027
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing internal leadership disputes in Benue and Bauchi states, as rival factions compete for control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party sources in both states say parallel groups have emerged, each laying claim to legitimacy and authority over ward, local government, and state executive structures.
The developments have heightened tensions among party stakeholders and raised questions about cohesion within the ruling party in two politically significant states.
Benue: Dispute Over Party Structures
In Benue State, the disagreements are said to centre on the outcome of recent party congresses and the composition of the state executive committee.
Two dominant blocs have reportedly been holding separate meetings and issuing directives to members.
One faction maintains that it enjoys recognition from the party’s national secretariat, while the opposing group argues that due process was not followed in constituting the current leadership.
Both camps have issued public statements urging their supporters to remain loyal and warning against what they describe as anti-party activities.
Efforts to obtain official comment from state party leaders were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
Bauchi: Rival Alignments Emerge
A similar situation is unfolding in Bauchi State, where disagreements over leadership positions and strategic direction have divided party members.
Insiders attribute the dispute to long-standing rivalries among key stakeholders, alongside maneuvering ahead of 2027 as the party seeks to strengthen its position in the state.
Sources say competing groups have submitted separate lists of executives to the party’s national headquarters, each seeking formal recognition.
Political analysts note that Bauchi remains a strategically important state in the North-East, where grassroots mobilisation and alliances often play a decisive role in electoral outcomes.
Implications for 2027
Observers warn that prolonged factional disputes could affect the APC’s electoral preparedness if not resolved.
“Unity of structure is critical for candidate selection and effective mobilisation,” says political analyst Ibrahim Adeyemi. “Where leadership is contested, it becomes difficult to coordinate strategy.”
Some party stakeholders have called on the APC’s National Working Committee to intervene and reconcile aggrieved members in both states.
The party’s national leadership has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement on the disputes.
As 2027 approaches, political watchers will be closely monitoring how the APC manages internal differences in Benue and Bauchi states considered important to broader calculations in Nigeria’s North-Central and North-East regions.
For now, the situation underscores the challenges political parties face in maintaining unity while preparing for high-stakes elections.
