APC suspends Kwara governorship primary mid-way, postpones exercise

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State found itself in a state of flux on Thursday as the party's National Working Committee abruptly suspended the ongoing governorship primary election. The exercise, which had already commenced in some areas, was postponed to Friday, a decision confirmed by the Kwara State APC chairman, Sunday Fagbemi. The directive came directly from the national leadership, though the precise reasons for the sudden halt remain undisclosed, leaving party members and aspirants in a state of uncertainty.

Adding another layer to the unfolding political drama, eight governorship aspirants reportedly withdrew from the contest. This collective decision followed a strategic meeting where they pledged their support for Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, the candidate favored by the incumbent Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The aspirants, including prominent figures like Salako Oluwatoyin and Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, cited a commitment to party unity and the continuity of the current administration's programs as their motivation.

Despite the disruptions, party members, including those with physical challenges, had turned out in significant numbers across Kwara Central Senatorial District, demonstrating their commitment to the electoral process. While voting had begun in some areas, allegations of electoral officers' absence surfaced in others, leading to self-organized voting and result tabulation by party members. These developments highlight the complex and often contentious nature of intra-party politics in Nigeria, where consensus-building and adherence to national directives are constantly being negotiated.

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We do not have details for the cancellation other than the fact that the team from the national office came and instructed that the election should be held tomorrow.