By The Editor
The aftermath of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries has sparked growing political tension across several states, following the reported loss of return tickets by at least 26 serving members of the House of Representatives.
The development, which has generated widespread controversy within the ruling party, has seen several affected lawmakers openly rejecting the outcomes of the primaries, alleging irregularities, manipulation, and imposition of candidates.
Investigations reveal that the primaries, conducted ahead of the forthcoming general elections, witnessed intense competition among party loyalists, political godfathers, and incumbents seeking another term in office. However, the emergence of new candidates in many federal constituencies has reportedly unsettled the political structure within the APC.
Some of the aggrieved lawmakers have accused party officials of abandoning internal democracy, insisting that the processes that produced the winners were neither transparent nor credible. Others alleged that delegates were intimidated while results were altered in favour of preferred aspirants.
Political observers say the situation may deepen internal cracks within the party if urgent reconciliation measures are not initiated. In some states, supporters of displaced lawmakers have already staged protests, demanding the cancellation of the exercises and fresh primaries.
Party stakeholders, however, maintain that the primaries were largely peaceful and reflected the wishes of party members at the grassroots. APC officials in some affected states have urged aggrieved aspirants to explore the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms instead of escalating tensions.
The primaries’ fallout is expected to shape political alignments in the coming weeks, with analysts warning that unresolved grievances could weaken the party’s cohesion ahead of the elections.
Despite the controversies, several newly emerged candidates have described their victories as triumphs of democracy and grassroots mobilisation, pledging to strengthen the party and deliver quality representation if elected.
