The agitation for direct primaries within the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensified as the party continued the screening and sale of nomination forms to governorship and National Assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party members in several states are pushing back against alleged attempts by governors and party leaders to impose consensus candidates.

In Bauchi State, APC stakeholders reportedly resolved to adopt direct primaries in order to avoid internal crises and ensure candidates emerge through a transparent process. Party sources said the move was aimed at strengthening internal democracy and reducing post-primary disputes ahead of the elections.

The development comes as aspirants across the country continued to obtain nomination forms for various offices. In Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, picked governorship forms, while several House of Representatives hopefuls also joined the race.

In Lagos, governorship aspirant Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, insisted that all aspirants should be allowed to contest freely despite endorsements for Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat by party leaders. Another aspirant, Dr Samuel Ajose, also demanded a level playing field, warning against the imposition of candidates.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in Ogun State where APC members in Ijebu East rejected alleged plans to impose candidates for the House of Representatives and State Assembly seats. The protesters demanded credible primaries and respect for zoning arrangements within the constituency.

The APC has continued its nationwide screening exercise for governorship and National Assembly aspirants, with prominent politicians such as former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu, former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Tonye Cole, and others obtaining nomination forms to contest various governorship seats.