Arise News political editor Sumner Sambo warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could face a wave of internal unrest in the weeks leading up to the 2027 elections. Speaking on the network’s Morning Show on Monday, Sambo said aspirants who feel aggrieved by the party’s nomination process are likely to “weep and gnash their teeth” as disputes over primaries, consensus arrangements and possible breaches of the Electoral Act intensify.
Sambo explained that the frustration stems from the limited options available to candidates who lose party tickets. Under current law, those who fail to secure a nomination are prohibited from defecting to another party after the primary stage, narrowing their political pathways and heightening tensions within the APC.
“The next two weeks will be a feverish period for the political cycle,” Sambo said. “Candidates who are denied tickets cannot simply jump ship, and the battles over consensus and direct primaries will be tested.”
He urged Nigerians to examine the Electoral Act closely, noting that several parties may attempt to circumvent its provisions during the primaries. “Any party that runs foul of the electoral provisions can be taken to court by its own members,” Sambo warned, adding that parties typically have legal departments to navigate these risks.
The analyst’s remarks come as the APC moves toward finalising its candidate slate for the 2027 general elections. Observers have noted that internal power struggles have become more pronounced since the party’s last primary cycle, with several high‑profile aspirants publicly expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome.
While Sambo stopped short of naming specific individuals, his comments reflect broader concerns that the APC’s internal cohesion could weaken ahead of a crucial electoral contest. Political analysts suggest that prolonged disputes could affect the party’s ability to present a united front, potentially influencing voter perception and turnout.
The upcoming weeks will also test the robustness of Nigeria’s electoral framework. If parties do indeed breach the Electoral Act, affected members may seek legal redress, which could lead to court battles that further delay or complicate the nomination process.
Sambo’s forecast underscores the fragile state of party politics in Nigeria as the nation prepares for a pivotal election cycle. The extent to which the APC can manage internal grievances and adhere to legal requirements will likely shape its prospects in 2027 and set a precedent for how political parties handle intra‑party democracy in the country.
