Fresh political tensions have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governorship primaries hold across the country, with fierce contests expected in Oyo and Kwara states.

While several incumbent governors seeking second terms emerged as consensus candidates in their states, resistance to consensus arrangements intensified in some states, including Oyo, Kwara, Plateau, Adamawa, Gombe and Bauchi.

In Kwara State, more than a dozen aspirants are reportedly preparing to challenge Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred successor, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, despite endorsements from party leaders. Governor AbdulRazaq had publicly backed Seriki after consultations with party stakeholders.

Oyo State is also witnessing intense competition, with notable aspirants including former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Akeem Agbaje and Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin battling for the APC governorship ticket.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the APC governorship primaries, citing the need to preserve peace, stability and unity in the state. In a statement announcing his decision, Fubara pledged support for whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

The withdrawal followed months of political tension within the Rivers APC and ongoing power struggles involving supporters of the governor and allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.