Why Governors’ Preferred Candidates May Still Make APC’s Final Senatorial List

By Queen Madaki

Fresh indications have emerged that candidates backed by state governors during the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries may retain their positions on the party’s final list expected to be released by the national leadership.

Sources familiar with ongoing consultations within the ruling party told The Bureau Journal that despite intense lobbying by some serving senators who lost their return tickets during the primaries, the tentative list compiled after the state-level exercises is unlikely to witness major alterations.

The development comes amid growing anxiety among several incumbent senators who failed to secure renomination tickets after governors in their respective states reportedly threw their weight behind alternative aspirants.

Senators Intensify Lobbying Efforts

Following the primaries, several affected lawmakers reportedly raised concerns over the conduct of the exercise, alleging irregularities and claiming that political interests influenced the outcomes in some states.

According to party insiders, many of the senators who lost during the primaries have continued consultations with influential stakeholders in Abuja in a bid to secure reconsideration before the APC publishes its definitive list of candidates.

“There has been pressure from different camps since the primaries ended, but from what we are hearing, the earlier list may largely remain intact. The Presidency appears comfortable with most of the candidates supported by the governors,” a party source told The Bureau Journal on condition of anonymity.

The lawmakers are said to be arguing that the primaries in some states were characterised by procedural breaches and internal disputes that adversely affected their ambitions.

Governors Move to Protect Preferred Candidates

While the lobbying continues, another source familiar with discussions at the national level disclosed that governors have also intensified efforts to ensure that candidates who emerged from the state-level exercises retain their positions.

According to the source, several governors believe the outcomes announced during the primaries should remain unchanged in order to preserve party stability and respect the decisions reached at the state level.

The competing interests have generated fresh political calculations within the APC as party leaders work to manage grievances ahead of the next stage of electoral preparations.

APC Yet to Release Official Final List

As of the time of filing this report, the APC had not released an official final list of senatorial candidates, leaving room for continued speculation and political maneuvering among interested stakeholders.

Party officials have remained silent on reports suggesting possible adjustments to the preliminary list, while aspirants and supporters across several states continue to monitor developments closely.

Political observers believe the eventual decision of the party leadership could significantly influence internal cohesion within the APC, particularly in states where the conduct and outcomes of the primaries generated controversy.

Attention Shifts to APC National Leadership

With expectations continuing to build, attention remains focused on the national leadership of the ruling party as aspirants, governors and party faithful await the publication of the final list.

Analysts note that the decisions eventually taken by the party could shape the political landscape ahead of the forthcoming elections and determine the balance of interests among various blocs within the APC.

The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates as the APC moves closer to releasing its final senatorial candidates list.