Cold War Rocks APC As Govs Move To Clip Lawmakers’ Wings Ahead Of 2027

A fresh power struggle is brewing within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as governors elected on the party’s platform are reportedly scheming to “get their pound of flesh” from senators and members of the House of Representatives over what they perceive as betrayal on recent amendments to the Electoral Act and other grievances.

Findings in Abuja indicate that the simmering cold war between APC governors and federal lawmakers from their respective states escalated over the weekend after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hinted at his desire to see the return of most APC lawmakers to the National Assembly.

Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at the State House, the President openly expressed support for legislative continuity.

“I appreciate the impressive turnout, and this shows the spirit of unity. You spoke very well as a team leader; you are a very good leader,” Tinubu said.

He added, “I will do everything within our party’s power. In several constituencies, there are rotational arrangements. I wish that everyone would return.”

The comment reportedly unsettled several governors, particularly those nursing plans to replace federal lawmakers with loyalists ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaker Abbas had earlier canvassed support for the return of lawmakers to the 11th National Assembly, lamenting that when up to 80 per cent of members fail to return after elections, it undermines legislative continuity.

According to Vanguard, sources disclosed that governors under the umbrella of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) are planning to meet Tinubu before his scheduled trip to the United Kingdom next week.

A senior party source described the President’s statement as “an unusual declaration that caught the governors unawares.”

According to the insider, the governors are expected to hold a preparatory meeting before seeing the President, with possible concessions forming a major item on their agenda.

“Details of the concessions are still being worked out,” the source said.

The friction is not uniform across all states. Some governors, especially those seeking second terms, are said to be pushing to replace most federal lawmakers from their states as part of a broader strategy to influence the composition of the 11th National Assembly.

The struggle reportedly intensified about ten months ago and reached a critical point last week when the PGF was said to have tipped its chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as a possible successor to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Party insiders suggest that the unfolding contest is ultimately about control of legislative leadership and influence within the party structure.

In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is reportedly seeking to replace all three senators from the state as well as at least seven out of nine House of Representatives members.

Though both the governor and lawmakers have publicly denied any rift, a credible source noted, “It is not out of place for governors to have loyalists in the National Assembly.”

However, Aiyedatiwa’s alleged frustration stems from lawmakers’ refusal to support a proposed amendment to Section 182(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

The section provides that: “A person who was sworn-in as Governor to complete the term for which another person was elected as Governor shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

One federal lawmaker, who spoke to Vanguard anonymously, said the governor had invited six of them to initiate a joint memorandum for the amendment.

“It is an open secret that the Governor wants to have third oath of office which is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution as it is today,” the source said.

“He invited six of us to a meeting on the need for us to initiate the process through a joint memorandum but we were unanimous that such was an uphill task except it is decided by the courts.

“Basically, we warned him not to attempt it because it would not fly; and apart from that, we hinted him that (Ex-President Goodluck) Jonathan would benefit from such an amendment if it succeeds but rather than showing understanding, he threatened that we will all lose our tickets to return to the National Assembly.”