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Rival camps within Nigeria’s ruling party are locked in a fierce struggle for influence ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention later this month, with governors divided over how key party offices should be shared.
The convention, scheduled to take place in Abuja, is expected to confirm or restructure the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), the body responsible for the APC’s day-to-day administration.
However, internal negotiations have become increasingly tense as competing blocs push for control of strategic positions seen as crucial ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Daily Sun, at least two closed-door meetings of the Progressives Governors’ Forum in Abuja ended without agreement, reflecting deep divisions over zoning arrangements and nominations for top offices.
Party sources revealed the dispute centres on which geopolitical zones should hold specific NWC posts and which political leaders within those regions should nominate candidates.
“They are not fighting over principle. They are fighting over power. Every position on that NWC is a lever for 2027,” the source said.
The positions drawing the fiercest contest include Deputy National Chairman (North), National Organising Secretary, National Publicity Secretary and Deputy National Publicity Secretary.
These roles are considered pivotal in shaping delegate lists, managing party primaries and controlling messaging ahead of the next election cycle.
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APC now controls no fewer than 30 states following a wave of defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), intensifying competition among regional blocs seeking greater influence in the party structure.
Sources indicated that leaders from the North West are pressing for stronger representation within the NWC, while the North Central zone, which currently holds the national chairmanship through Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, is pushing to retain its existing position in the party hierarchy.
The APC has already inaugurated its National Convention Central Coordinating Committee at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking during the inauguration, the national chairman said the committee reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy and organisational discipline.
Former Katsina State governor Aminu Bello Masari chairs the committee, with former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim serving as Vice-Chairman I Kwara State governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is Vice-Chairman II, Imo State governor Hope Uzodimma acts as treasurer, while Yobe State governor Mai Mala Buni serves as secretary.
Party insiders say divisions have also emerged within the committee itself, with some members quietly lobbying for their respective regions as the convention approaches.
Recent defectors from opposition parties have further complicated the internal balance of power.
In several states, including Delta, Enugu, Bayelsa and Taraba, allies of incoming governors have taken control of state party structures, strengthening their influence over local party machinery.
Despite the escalating tensions, President Bola Tinubu has so far refrained from intervening directly, allowing governors to manage negotiations within the party as preparations for the convention continue.