The All Progressives Congress (APC) recently held its primaries amid growing scrutiny over internal democratic processes, with reports of irregularities emerging from multiple states. The exercises in several APC-controlled regions were marked by delays, parallel congresses, candidate substitutions, and allegations of imposed outcomes. In parts of North Central and South South Nigeria, aspirants rejected announced results, while in South West states, rumours circulated before voting began that candidate lists had already been predetermined.
Complaints arose that governors and influential party figures had orchestrated internal contests to resemble coronations rather than competitive elections. Observers noted that in some constituencies, no meaningful voting process took place. The party's national leadership did not issue a public response to the concerns. President Bola Tinubu has remained publicly silent on the developments, drawing attention due to his position as the party's leading figure.
The primaries were intended to showcase organisational strength ahead of the 2027 elections, but instead highlighted tensions within the party. While the APC continues to attract defections from opposition members and holds federal power, the internal selection process has raised questions about legitimacy. The situation echoes past political moments when ruling parties underestimated grassroots discontent. Former President Goodluck Jonathan was cited as an example of leadership that overlooked simmering frustrations until electoral consequences became unavoidable.
The article notes that Tinubu's political instincts are respected even by opponents, but his current posture is seen as passive amid signs of internal strain. The party's expansion in membership and control has not been matched by transparent internal democracy. The concern is that sustained exclusion of aspirants and loyalists may fuel quiet resentment that could surface unexpectedly.
President Bola Tinubu remains silent while APC primaries unfold with widespread reports of imposition and parallel congresses. His administration benefits from the party's expanding control, yet the same processes undermining internal democracy threaten long-term stability. When candidate lists are seen as predetermined and voting bypassed, loyalty is replaced with quiet resentment. The irony is that the machinery securing immediate power may be weakening the foundation it rests on.
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