Hope and Controversy Trail Emergence of Candidates for 2027 Elections
As political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, controversies arising from recent primaries and candidate selection exercises continue to reverberate across the country. While some parties have successfully produced candidates, others are battling disputes that could test internal cohesion ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) deadline for submission of candidates' names.
Youth Party Unveils Governorship Candidate in Delta
In Delta State, the Youth Party (YP) has unveiled Dr. Joshua Denila as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election, a move seen as an attempt by younger politicians to challenge the dominance of the state's traditional political establishment. Denila, addressing delegates, supporters, and journalists after his emergence at the party's primary election conducted across the state's 25 local councils, stated that the state required a new generation of leaders capable of transforming its vast resources into measurable development outcomes.
Dispute in Anambra NDC Primary
Meanwhile, a dispute has emerged in the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the party's primary for the Anambra Central Senatorial District. Pastor Nwabueze Nonso Oli has claimed victory over incumbent Senator Victor Umeh in the exercise conducted under the Option A4 voting system. Oli said he secured an overwhelming victory, including in Umeh's local council area. A coalition of stakeholder groups, operating under the aegis of Concerned Political Observers, described the primary as successful and a triumph of grassroots participation.
APC Primary Controversy in Lagos
In Lagos, concerns over internal party democracy have resurfaced within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following protests over the outcome of the party's primary election for Somolu Constituency II. Members of a group known as Restore Apata Mandate called for a review of the May 20 primary election, alleging that the declared outcome did not reflect the votes cast by party members. The group's Convener, Segun Adesanya, during a media briefing in Lagos, said supporters of the incumbent lawmaker representing Somolu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Samuel Olufemi Apata, were opposed to efforts to recognize another aspirant despite the results recorded during the exercise.
The group claimed that Apata polled 9,081 votes across the constituency's wards, significantly ahead of other contenders, and warned that disregarding the outcome could undermine confidence in the party's internal electoral process and discourage grassroots participation. Also speaking, a former councillor and Public Relations Officer of the Forum of Past Councillors in the area, Olasupo Abiodun Kazeem, urged the party leadership to ensure transparency in resolving the dispute.
Coalition Supports Alli-Balogun's Candidature
Similarly, the coalition of Bariga APC Youth & Progressive Leaders has strongly rejected the desperate attempt by certain individuals to undermine the candidature of Morufu Idowu Alli-Balogun for Lagos State House of Assembly (Somolu Constituency II), following his legitimate victory at the party primaries held on May 20, 2026. “We condemn the malicious media campaigns, divisive tactics, and undemocratic imposition being orchestrated by a few selfish leaders. These actions could threaten the unity of our party and disrespect the will of the majority,” the coalition stated.
“We call on respected leaders, including Kolade Alabi and Senator Anthony Adefuye, to urgently rein in these anti-party elements before they cause irreparable damage. Alli-Balogun remains the people’s choice—a grassroots leader with proven service, integrity, and capacity. No cabal will be allowed to impose a substitute candidate. We stand firmly by his candidature and call on all genuine stakeholders to resist division and work for a united, victorious APC,” the coalition added.
