KADUNA: APC Consensus Clash Threatens Gov Uba Sani’s 2027 Re-election Bid

With the 2027 general elections set to begin in earnest from January, political alignments are intensifying across the state. But analysts say the era of godfather politics and backroom consensus is giving way to a more assertive electorate, empowered by Nigeria’s amended Electoral Act that scrapped indirect primaries and imposed “no-defection-after-primaries” rules. The shift, they argue, punishes voter apathy and rewards inclusion.

Governor Sani, tasked by APC leader President Bola Tinubu to manage consensus arrangements, now faces mounting criticism over the outcome of the primaries for Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly seats.

In Kaduna Central, supporters of former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, are protesting his reported concession to Senator Shehu Sani. They allege Zailani won the APC ticket but was forced to step down in favour of the governor’s preferred candidate.

In Southern Kaduna, incumbent Senator Sunday Katung secured the APC senatorial ticket, defeating former senator Danjuma La’ah who was seeking a third term. The result has also drawn protests, petitions, and open letters from La’ah’s supporters.

Kaduna activist Daniel Bagai, in an open letter to the governor, wrote:

“Your Excellency, my heart is bleeding seriously with the way things are unfolding ahead of the 2027 elections, especially here in Kaduna State… Sadly, what I am beginning to witness from the ongoing political activities and alleged primary processes does not give me confidence about the future”

A self-described “concerned citizen” from Kauru LGA echoed the sentiment:

“Democracy is built on the voice and choice of the people, and the masses should be given the opportunity to freely choose who will represent them… Your recent decision has left many ordinary citizens feeling unheard and hopeless”

On Tuesday, supporters of Zailani and La’ah staged a protest at the APC state secretariat on Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna, to register their dismay over what they described as undemocratic primaries.

The backlash comes as Governor Sani navigates multiple political headwinds. He recently broke ties with his political godfather, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai’s son and federal lawmaker, Bello El-Rufai, has since defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join his father.

Political analysts say the combination of the rift with El-Rufai, the defection of his son, and internal APC discontent could weaken the governor’s base and pose risks for President Tinubu’s political structure in Kaduna.

Bagai urged the governor to allow credible competition:

“Your Excellency, democracy thrives when people are allowed to choose freely. With all honesty and respect, sir, many of the individuals now emerging in some constituencies do not inspire confidence among the people. Meanwhile, individuals with proven competence, grassroots acceptance, intellectual capacity, and genuine passion to serve are allegedly being sidelined”

The Kauru citizen added:

“We humbly appeal to you to reconsider approaches that may weaken the confidence of the people in the democratic process… We believe that fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity are necessary for true progress and unity in Kaduna State”

As reactions continue to pour in, the next move by Governor Uba Sani will likely determine whether the APC can contain the crisis ahead of 2027.