Former Immigration Chief Joins APC as Party Congresses Expose Deepening Rifts
Nigeria's ruling APC gains high-profile recruit as former immigration boss Babandede pledges support for Tinubu, while violent confrontations at Kano ward congress underscore internal party tensions ahead of 2027 elections.
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Former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service Muhammed Babandede has formally joined the All Progressives Congress, pledging support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the ruling party conducts ward congresses across the country. The high-profile recruitment comes amid growing tensions within the party that erupted into confrontations during weekend congresses in several states.
Babandede registered with the APC and announced backing for both Tinubu and Governor Malam Namadi, according to The Nation Newspaper. The move signals the party's continued efforts to consolidate support from influential figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Violence Disrupts Kano Congress
The party's expansion efforts were overshadowed by chaotic scenes in Kano State, where Representative Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe was confronted by angry youths during the APC ward congress in Tofa. Legit.ng reported that Jobe was forced out of the party meeting in what observers described as a tense political scene reflecting deeper factional disputes within the state chapter.
The confrontation highlights the challenges facing the APC as it attempts to manage internal rivalries while preparing for upcoming electoral contests. Kano remains a critical battleground state where control of party structures directly impacts electoral fortunes.
In contrast, former APC senatorial candidate Ejike Eze praised the party for conducting peaceful and well-coordinated congresses across all 17 local government areas of Enugu State. Eze, who contested for the Enugu North Senatorial District seat, commended the orderly process according to Vanguard News, suggesting that not all state chapters experienced the turmoil seen in Kano.
Opposition Parties Face Own Challenges
The APC is not alone in confronting internal strife. The Edo State government condemned attacks on the African Democratic Congress secretariat and the residence of party national leader John Odigie-Oyegun as taking "internal crisis too far," Vanguard News reported. The Wednesday statement followed criticism and condemnation of the violence targeting ADC facilities and leadership.
The incidents underscore broader concerns about political violence and intra-party disputes across Nigeria's political landscape. Such confrontations threaten to undermine democratic processes as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Electoral Commission Reviews Recent Polls
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission chairman met with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja, four days after conducting Federal Capital Territory council elections and by-elections in Rivers and Kano states, Channels Television reported. The timing of the meeting suggests INEC is reviewing the conduct and outcomes of Saturday's polls.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara separately expressed willingness to work with state assembly members "for the progress of our state," according to Vanguard News. The statement comes amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State that have complicated governance and party relations.
Party Consolidation Ahead of 2027
The recruitment of figures like Babandede represents the APC's strategy to strengthen its position before the next electoral cycle. Former immigration chiefs bring administrative experience and potential influence within security and bureaucratic circles that parties value during campaigns.
However, the violent disruptions at ward congresses reveal that the party faces significant internal management challenges. Ward-level congresses are foundational to party structure, determining local leadership that controls grassroots mobilization and delegate selection for higher-level conventions.
Political analysts note that parties failing to resolve internal disputes at the ward level often carry those conflicts through state and national conventions, potentially weakening their electoral competitiveness. The contrast between peaceful processes in Enugu and confrontations in Kano suggests uneven party discipline and conflict resolution capacity across different state chapters.
As Nigeria's political parties complete their ward congresses and prepare for subsequent organizational activities, the ability to manage internal tensions while attracting new members will likely determine their readiness for the 2027 elections. The coming months will test whether parties can balance expansion with cohesion in an increasingly competitive political environment.