APC faces internal crisis over consensus in Ebonyi
Governor Francis Nwifuru and Minister David Umahi are at the center of a growing dispute within the Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The disagreement revolves around whether to use a consensus arrangement or direct primaries for selecting party candidates. Tensions have risen as various groups and stakeholders take opposing sides, raising concerns about party unity. The situation has led to uncertainty ahead of the party's upcoming primaries.
Key takeaways
- The dispute is between supporters of Governor Francis Nwifuru and those of Minister of Works David Umahi over candidate selection methods.
- The Electoral Act 2026 allows for both consensus and direct primaries, but consensus requires voluntary agreement among aspirants.
- Some party stakeholders met under Governor Nwifuru's leadership, with decisions on aspirants postponed for some until Friday and others reportedly told they would be returned.
- David Umahi announced that no aspirant was excluded from the process after consulting with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru, urging all interested aspirants to purchase nomination forms.
- The party's primaries are scheduled for May 15, 2026, with some aspirants aligned with Umahi purchasing nomination forms in defiance of the consensus arrangement.
