Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kwara State following the rejection of the party’s governorship primary outcome by a youth forum aligned with the party. The protest, which centres on allegations of imposition and lack of transparency, is raising concerns about internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its convener, Comrade Ayuba Bako Marufudeen, the forum accused party leaders of undermining democratic principles during the governorship primary. The group claimed that what was expected to be an open and credible contest turned into a process allegedly influenced by predetermined interests, leaving many party supporters dissatisfied with the outcome.

The youth forum said thousands of APC members across wards and local government areas in the state felt excluded by the exercise. According to the group, the situation has created frustration among young party loyalists who played active roles in past electoral victories and grassroots mobilisation. The forum warned that continued dissatisfaction within the party could weaken support structures ahead of the next election cycle.

Central to the protest is the forum’s support for Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, whom members described as widely accepted across the state. The group argued that his popularity among youths, community leaders, artisans and market groups made him a strong contender whose support base should not have been overlooked. The forum maintained that many members considered the process that produced the party’s candidate questionable and lacking credibility.

The aggrieved youths are now calling on the APC national leadership and the party’s appeal committee to intervene. They warned that failure to address complaints surrounding the primary could deepen divisions within the party and create opportunities for opposition parties to gain political advantage in Kwara State. The statement also stressed that internal democracy remains critical to maintaining trust among party members.

Political observers say disputes arising from party primaries are increasingly shaping the political atmosphere ahead of 2027, especially in states where rival interests are competing for influence. Analysts note that how the APC handles grievances in Kwara may determine its ability to preserve unity and retain grassroots confidence before the general elections.