A former Inspector General of Police in Nigeria threatened to leave the All Progressives Congress following disputes over the conduct of the Nasarawa state party primary.
Nasarawa, in north-central Nigeria, held an APC primary that drew criticism from factions alleging unfair procedures or outcomes. Former IGPs retain political influence and networks after retirement from the force.
Threatened defections signal internal APC friction ahead of elections when aspirants compete for governorship and legislative nominations. Party primaries in Nigeria frequently produce litigation, petitions, and public accusations.
The former IGP’s warning reflects personal stakes in Nasarawa politics, where control of the state chapter affects patronage and candidate selection. Leaving the APC would mean joining an opposition party or running independently.
Dispute resolution efforts within the state chapter may determine whether the threat materializes into a formal party switch. National APC leadership sometimes intervenes in contentious primaries to preserve unity before the 2027 cycle.
Nasarawa’s primary dispute is one of several internal APC conflicts that could shape candidate lineups for governorship and legislative races across north-central Nigeria.
APC reconciliation committees may intervene in Nasarawa if the former IGP follows through on threats to quit the party over primary disputes.
Party elders in Nasarawa were expected to meet the former IGP before any formal defection announcement is made.
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Sources:
News Headlines May 24, 2026. Headlines From Nigeria’s Major Newspapers