Escalating political tensions across Delta, Rivers, Kano, Ogun, Kogi, Gombe, Edo and other states are exposing deep cracks within major political parties as governors, lawmakers, former office holders and influential political blocs battle for control ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest wave of political tensions follows controversial party primaries and succession struggles that have triggered disputes over candidate selection, party dominance and political influence in several states.
With the 2027 elections approaching, governors are increasingly moving to consolidate their political structures, while rival camps within their parties are resisting attempts to determine future leadership arrangements without broader consultation. The disagreements have intensified within both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, creating fresh uncertainty in several political strongholds.
In Delta State, the APC senatorial primary for Delta Central has become one of the most contentious contests fueling current political tensions.
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege rejected the outcome that declared incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone winner. According to results announced by the primary committee, Dafinone secured 116,252 votes while Omo-Agege polled 3,643 votes. Omo-Agege’s camp challenged the figures and insisted the process did not reflect the true outcome of the exercise. The dispute has widened political divisions within the APC in Delta, particularly as Omo-Agege remains one of the party’s most influential figures in the state.
In Kogi State, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho openly confronted forces aligned with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo after losing the APC primary for Kogi East Senatorial District to Dr Joseph Erico Ameh. Echocho accused political actors of manipulating the process and declared that he remained the legitimate winner. The disagreement has intensified rivalries between established political figures and emerging power centres within the state’s APC structure.
Rivers State continues to experience some of the most visible political tensions in the country following the prolonged conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and allies of former governor Nyesom Wike. The crisis has reportedly influenced candidate screenings, legislative contests and internal political alignments. Several aspirants linked to opposing camps have faced challenges in securing political positions, deepening divisions within the state’s political landscape.
In Ogun State, friction has emerged between Governor Dapo Abiodun and former governor Gbenga Daniel over the Ogun East Senatorial District contest. Reports indicate that stakeholders loyal to Abiodun backed efforts to promote a consensus arrangement, while Daniel insisted that all aspirants should be allowed to participate in a competitive primary process. The disagreement has triggered fresh debates over succession planning and party control.
The political tensions are equally evident in Kano, where internal disagreements within the Kwankwasiyya political movement have raised questions about future leadership structures and candidate selection ahead of 2027. Political observers have pointed to growing concerns over succession calculations, influence within party structures and control of political machinery in the state.
In Gombe State, APC primaries strengthened Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s political influence but also generated dissatisfaction among some aspirants who questioned aspects of the process. The situation became more politically significant following the emergence of former Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami as a major opposition figure after realignments within the state’s political environment.
The expanding political tensions reveal increasing struggles for control within Nigeria’s political parties as influential actors seek to secure strategic positions before the next election cycle.
Analysts warn that unresolved disputes could lead to defections, legal challenges, parallel political structures and weakened party cohesion in several states. The developments also underscore how party primaries have evolved into broader contests over political dominance, succession planning and future electoral influence.
