Nigeria's APC Conducts Leadership Elections Across Multiple States Amid Unity Push
The All Progressives Congress held local government executive elections in Edo, Ondo, and Delta states, with party officials emphasizing consensus-building despite internal challenges and membership concerns in some regions.
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Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) completed local government executive elections across multiple states this week, with party officials affirming new leadership while addressing internal divisions and membership challenges ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.
The APC elected party executives in all 18 local government areas of Edo State in what officials described as an affirmative congress. According to The Nation Newspaper, party members participated in the electoral process across the state's council areas. The elections in Edo mirror similar exercises conducted simultaneously in Ondo State, where the party also affirmed new leaders across its 18 local government areas.
"There is no fear or apprehension, and we have affirmed all our newly local government officials of the party," an Ondo APC official told Vanguard News, signaling confidence in the leadership transition process.
Delta APC Emphasizes Consensus Approach
In Delta State, the party is pursuing a consensus-building strategy to overcome internal rifts. Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, declared Thursday that the APC in Sapele Local Government Area has resolved its internal divisions. The lawmaker emphasized that unity would strengthen candidate selection for upcoming elections.
"The All Progressives Congress in Sapele Local Government Area has closed the chapter on internal divisions," Dafinone stated, according to The Nation Newspaper. He insisted the united party structure would produce the strongest candidates through consensus mechanisms rather than contested primaries.
The Sapele declaration represents a strategic shift for the APC in Delta State, where the party has historically struggled against the dominant Peoples Democratic Party. Party officials believe consensus arrangements will minimize factional disputes that have weakened electoral prospects in previous cycles.
Membership Registration Concerns in Osun
While leadership elections proceeded smoothly in southern states, the APC faces significant challenges in Osun State ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election. The state chapter ranked 33rd nationally in membership registration figures, raising questions about grassroots mobilization despite promises of delivering one million votes for the party's gubernatorial candidate.
The Nation Newspaper reported that Osun APC is weighing both gains and challenges as it prepares for the August 8 election. The low membership registration numbers contrast sharply with the party's ambitious vote targets, highlighting potential organizational weaknesses that could affect electoral performance.
Party strategists in Osun are reportedly reviewing mobilization tactics and considering intensified registration drives to boost membership numbers before the gubernatorial contest. The discrepancy between membership figures and vote projections has prompted internal discussions about realistic electoral expectations and resource allocation.
Strategic Implications for 2026
The simultaneous leadership elections across multiple states represent part of the APC's broader preparation for the 2026 electoral cycle. By installing new local government executives now, the party aims to strengthen grassroots structures well ahead of gubernatorial and legislative contests scheduled for later this year and into 2027.
The emphasis on consensus arrangements in areas like Sapele suggests party leadership recognizes that internal divisions have previously cost electoral opportunities. By promoting unity and avoiding contentious primaries, APC officials hope to present cohesive fronts in competitive states where opposition parties maintain strong presence.
However, the Osun membership challenge indicates that organizational renewal extends beyond leadership changes. The party must translate new executive appointments into effective voter mobilization and registration to meet electoral targets. The contrast between smooth leadership transitions in Edo and Ondo versus membership struggles in Osun highlights varying levels of party capacity across different states.
As Nigeria's ruling party, the APC's performance in 2026 state elections will serve as a barometer for its national standing ahead of the 2027 general elections. The current round of local government executive elections establishes the foundation for these upcoming contests, making effective leadership selection and grassroots mobilization critical to the party's medium-term electoral strategy.