A fresh crisis has emerged in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after a new faction appeared, increasing leadership tensions in the party and raising concerns ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development happened on Wednesday and shows a strong division among top leaders of the party, threatening its internal stability.
The crisis reportedly became worse after a reconciliation meeting called at the request of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, failed to produce any meaningful result.
The meeting was expected to calm the growing tension within the party, but instead it exposed deeper disagreements and led to the emergence of a rival leadership group.
Sources say the dispute had been building for several days but became more serious when two opposing groups could not reach an agreement.
The faction led by Nentawe Yilwatda was said to have offered 40 billion naira to the rival group led by Hafsatu Danladi in an attempt to resolve the crisis.
However, the offer was rejected, which further increased the disagreement and reduced hopes of an early solution.
Sources familiar with the matter say the crisis may affect the party’s ability to present a united front in future elections.
There are also fears that the continued crisis could weaken the APC’s chances of presenting a strong presidential candidate in 2027 if the problem is not quickly resolved.
At the same time, legal action may soon begin. There are strong indications that the matter could be taken to court as steps are being taken to challenge the legitimacy of the current leadership.
There are also suggestions that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may become involved in the dispute, especially if a court orders it to withdraw recognition from one of the factions.
When contacted, supporters of Yilwatda confirmed that the crisis exists but refused to provide more details. The group also declined to comment on claims that some governors in the party may be supporting efforts to remove the current leadership.
In a strong statement, the rival faction made its position clear and explained its next step:
“PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
I, Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi, hereby assert my position as the true and authentic Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In light of recent developments within the party, I will be approaching the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the legitimacy of the current leadership.
This action seeks to unseat what I consider an illegitimate structure presently overseeing the affairs of our great party.
Furthermore, I will be requesting the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discontinue recognition of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mr. Nentawe Yilwatda.
This step is necessary to uphold the rule of law, protect the integrity of our party, and ensure that due process is followed in its leadership.
Thank you.
Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi
APC Chairperson.”
The statement has further increased tension within the party, with both sides maintaining their claims to leadership.
As of the time this report was filed, attempts to settle the dispute between the factions have not produced any result. The coming days are expected to be important as legal actions begin and pressure increases on party leaders to find a solution.
