THE BUILD-UP to the 2027 general elections gathered momentum on Thursday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted governorship primary activities in several states, producing consensus candidates in Kano and parts of Lagos, while setting the stage for a competitive contest in Benue State.
The exercises, marked by endorsements, affirmation votes, and distribution of election materials, reflected varying political dynamics within the ruling party across the states.
Yusuf Secures Kano APC Ticket Unopposed
In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf emerged as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election.
The decision was reached on Thursday during the party’s congress held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, attended by party leaders, delegates, elected officials, and supporters from across the state.
Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, moved the motion for Yusuf’s adoption, describing the governor as a committed leader who had demonstrated dedication to the development of Kano State.
The motion was seconded by Sen. Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, who said party members were united behind Yusuf’s candidacy and optimistic about victory in the next governorship election.
Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Alhaji Mukhtar Shagari, who represented the APC national leadership, said the endorsement reflected confidence in the governor’s performance and commitment to public service.
In his acceptance speech, Yusuf thanked party leaders and supporters for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to sustain people-oriented programmes in education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
Hamzat Emerges Sole APC Candidate in Agege
In Lagos State, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat emerged unopposed as the APC governorship candidate in Agege during the party’s primary election.
Hamzat, who contested as the sole aspirant, secured affirmation votes across the 11 wards in the council area during the exercise held at the Agege Stadium.
The Returning Officer, Debola Ladigbolu, the Lagos APC Assistant Legal Adviser, announced that Hamzat polled 14,053 votes.
Speaking after the exercise, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr Mudashiru Obasa, commended party members for conducting a peaceful and orderly primary election.
Obasa praised APC leaders and supporters in Agege for their massive turnout and noted that the area’s political structure had continued to promote peaceful coexistence.
He added that the party and local government leadership would continue to pursue programmes aimed at poverty alleviation and grassroots development.
Three-Way Contest Looms in Benue APC Governorship Primary
Unlike the consensus arrangements in Kano and Lagos, the APC governorship primary in Benue State is shaping into a three-way contest involving Governor Hyacinth Alia and two other aspirants.
Chairman of the Governorship/State Assembly Primary Election Committee in the state, Prof. Mohammed Isah, disclosed on Thursday in Makurdi that Mr Jeffrey Kuranun and Mr Terwase Orbunde would contest alongside the governor for the party’s ticket.
Isah made the announcement during the distribution of sensitive materials for the conduct of the primaries, stating that all three aspirants had been cleared to participate.
According to him, the exercise would take place across the 276 wards in the 23 local government areas of the state.
He expressed confidence in the preparedness of the party to conduct a credible and peaceful primary election.
Meanwhile, the APC State Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omale, assured party members of adequate security during the exercise and urged stakeholders to maintain unity and peaceful conduct throughout the process.
