APC Primary Landslide Signals Tinubu’s Tight Grip On Party Ahead Of 2027
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In politics, internal elections often reveal more than public rallies ever can.
The overwhelming victory recorded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries across Nigeria’s states has not only reaffirmed his dominance within the ruling party but has also sent a strong political message ahead of the 2027 general election.
The collated results from the APC presidential primary showed President Tinubu securing a staggering 10,999,162 votes against a distant 16,503 votes recorded by challenger Osifo.
The outcome reflects near-total control of the party structure by the incumbent President, with Tinubu sweeping virtually all states with commanding margins.
From Lagos, where he polled 814,988 votes, to Kaduna with 618,914 votes and Adamawa with 644,149 votes, the results underline a nationwide consolidation of political influence.
States traditionally regarded as strategic battlegrounds such as Kano, Rivers, Delta, Benue, Plateau and even parts of the South-East overwhelmingly tilted towards the President.
Political observers believe the exercise was more than a routine party primary.
It was a test of loyalty, influence and organisational strength within the APC.
Tinubu’s strongest showing came from several northern states, indicating that the alliance which powered his 2023 victory remains largely intact.
Kano delivered 500,852 votes, Katsina returned 467,003 votes, while Gombe produced 450,517 votes.
Borno, Yobe, Kebbi and Sokoto also delivered significant support for the President.
Analysts say this is crucial because the North remains Nigeria’s largest voting bloc and often determines the outcome of presidential elections.
The outcome suggests that despite economic challenges, fuel subsidy removal controversies and rising public dissatisfaction in some quarters, the President still enjoys substantial backing among APC delegates and political stakeholders.
In the South-West, Tinubu’s traditional political base, the results were unsurprising but symbolic.
Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti all recorded dominant victories for the President, further cementing his status as the undisputed leader of the APC in the region.
Interestingly, the South-East also recorded notable support for Tinubu despite the APC’s historical struggle in the zone.
Imo returned 582,960 votes, Enugu 383,382, Ebonyi 207,579 and Abia 161,005.
Political commentators interpret this as evidence of the APC’s growing penetration in parts of the region through strategic alliances and federal appointments.
The negligible votes secured by Osifo across the federation equally tell their own story.
In many states, the challenger recorded zero votes, while his highest figures remained insignificant compared to Tinubu’s totals.
This has raised questions about the level of internal opposition within the APC and whether the party is gradually becoming a one-centre political structure around the incumbent President.
While supporters of the President see the result as proof of confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda, critics argue that the absence of strong internal competition may weaken democratic engagement within the party.
Nevertheless, the outcome undoubtedly strengthens Tinubu’s bargaining power ahead of 2027.
It also places the opposition parties under pressure to reorganise and build stronger coalitions if they hope to challenge the APC’s political machinery.
For the APC, the primary outcome projects unity, continuity and stability at a time when Nigeria faces economic and security pressures.
Party loyalists believe the landslide victory provides a psychological boost and early momentum for the President’s re-election campaign.
However, political experts caution that votes in party primaries do not always translate directly into public votes during general elections.
They note that Nigerians will ultimately judge the administration based on the economy, security, cost of living, infrastructure and governance performance over the next two years.
Still, the message from the APC primary is unmistakable: President Tinubu remains firmly in control of the ruling party and, at least for now, stands as the central political force shaping Nigeria’s 2027 electoral calculations.
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