One of the most persistent sources of internal tension has been the large number of politicians defecting from other parties into the APC. Many long-standing members feel that these newcomers are being fast-tracked into leadership and elective slots. This often violates party rules, leading to allegations that they are hijacking party structures rather than being properly integrated.

1. Tension Over Defectors and Party Control

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for example, aggrieved members protested at the APC National Secretariat, accusing new entrants of undermining internal processes, flouting constitutional requirements, and attempting to install preferred candidates ahead of elections.

Similar sentiments have surfaced in Akwa Ibom State, where original party members feel sidelined by recent defectors. They are calling for greater recognition and accommodation within party structures.

2. State-Level Leadership Disputes

Beyond defections, internal leadership battles have played out in key states. In Lagos during APC primaries, conflicting consensus lists and accusations of imposition led to the collapse or suspension of local chairmanship and councillorship elections. Grassroots supporters alleged top-level interference.

In Delta State, the defection of prominent figures created friction with established local leaders who argue the integration process was not transparent and weakened foundational party loyalty.

Other states have seen factional disputes over party leadership positions, with competing camps vying for control and tensions slowing down decision-making.

3. Institutional Weakness in Dispute Mediation

Compounding these tensions is the absence of fully functioning internal dispute-resolution structures. The APC constitution was amended in 2022 to replace the Board of Trustees with a National Advisory Council (NAC). However, the party has not formally constituted or inaugurated this body as of late 2025. This institutional gap weakens the APC’s capacity to resolve disputes and manage internal friction effectively.

Because of these tensions, internal reviews and reforms have sometimes been undermined or delayed. Factions have resisted changes that would shift influence or leadership balance. The controversial integration of defectors has repeatedly triggered objections that internal constitutional provisions were ignored. This undercuts confidence in procedural fairness and accountability.

Leadership disputes and unresolved grievances over candidate selection have created persistent friction that external review processes alone have not settled.

This has, in part, fueled the current nationwide constitution amendment process, which party leaders frame as necessary. They say it a way to strengthen internal democracy and address these very structural weaknesses. In other words, the ongoing amendment drive is itself partly a response to internal tensions that previous review efforts were unable to resolve fully.