The ruling All Progressives Congress continues to navigate the aftermath of its eighth national convention held in Abuja in late March 2026, as lingering disputes and power realignments test party unity in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The convention, which adopted a consensus approach for electing the new National Working Committee, saw over 8000 delegates participate and resulted in the dissolution of the previous leadership structure. While party leaders hailed the event as a success that demonstrated cohesion and laid a strong foundation for future victories, emerging factions and unresolved grievances from pre-convention congresses have created pockets of dissatisfaction within the ranks.
Critics and some stakeholders have pointed to challenges arising from the consensus arrangement, which limited open contests for most positions and led to perceptions of a coronation rather than a fully competitive process. In addition, fallout from earlier ward, local government, and state congresses has persisted, with rival factions in certain states contesting delegate lists and leadership outcomes. These disputes have complicated efforts to fully harmonize the party structure, prompting the appointment of a National Reconciliation Committee chaired by elder statesman Chief Bisi Akande to address grievances and foster dialogue among aggrieved members. The party now faces the delicate task of integrating a wave of recent defectors from opposition parties without alienating long-standing loyalists who feel sidelined in the distribution of influence and future candidacies.
Despite these internal frictions, the APC has significantly strengthened its position at both federal and state levels. The party now controls 31 out of 36 state governorships following a series of defections, alongside commanding majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used the convention platform to emphasize unity, defend ongoing economic reforms, and project confidence in the party’s ability to deliver stability and progress. Governors elected on the APC platform have congratulated the new leadership, describing the elected officials as capable hands poised to steer the party toward resounding success in 2027. Analysts observe that while the convention has consolidated power and signaled strategic readiness, managing ambitions, balancing interests, and maintaining internal discipline remain critical to avoiding deeper cracks that could undermine electoral prospects.
As the countdown to 2027 intensifies, the APC leadership has reiterated its commitment to broad participation in the polls and dismissed notions of seeking a one-party dominance. The focus now shifts toward primary elections, candidate selection, and renewed outreach to rebuild trust among members while addressing public concerns over governance issues. Successful resolution of the current fallout will determine whether the party enters the next electoral cycle as a unified force capable of leveraging its structural advantages or risks fragmentation that could open opportunities for a more cohesive opposition.
