Tensions between President Bola Tinubu and some governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reportedly intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid concerns over the level of support for the President’s re-election campaign in the North.

The development has also prompted the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to direct candidates in some states to submit the names of their proposed polling agents directly to the national secretariat, bypassing state party structures traditionally involved in the process.

The move is reportedly aimed at preventing possible sabotage during the elections, following allegations that some governors could be supporting candidates contesting against APC candidates on other political platforms.

A governor from the North-West, who spoke anonymously, said the situation reflected unresolved disagreements within the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the APC governors’ umbrella body.

He claimed that some northern governors were reluctant to openly canvass support for Tinubu’s second term, despite public appearances suggesting unity within the party.

The governor also attributed the strained relations to several political disagreements, including concerns over the treatment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, the President’s support for Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and his Rainbow Coalition, as well as the Federal Government’s decision to publish financial disbursements to states.

He further said disagreements had persisted over the leadership of the PGF, particularly calls by some governors for its chairman, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, to focus on his responsibilities within the presidential campaign council.

The reported concerns follow comments previously attributed to Vice-President Kashim Shettima that only a small number of northern governors had demonstrated tacit support for Tinubu’s re-election. Shettima’s media office subsequently clarified that the remarks referred to political alignments before the APC presidential primary in 2022, rather than the 2023 general election.

Separately, the APC’s decision to bypass some state chapters in the selection of polling agents followed allegations by the Oodua Progressive Youths League that certain governors had encouraged aspirants who lost party primaries to seek tickets from opposition parties.

The group also alleged that some governors had reached agreements with opposition parties concerning the selection of polling agents.

An APC member of the National Assembly from Ondo State, who requested anonymity, confirmed that candidates in the state had been instructed to submit their agents’ names directly to the national secretariat.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, however, denied directing any aspirant or candidate to contest against APC candidates on another party’s platform. He said he had never engaged in anti-party activities.

The allegations have highlighted the challenges facing the ruling party as it prepares for the 2027 elections, with internal disagreements over political alliances, party leadership and candidate selection raising questions about coordination between the presidency and state governors.