Consensus and Protests Mark APC Primaries Across Nigerian States

The All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries held across various Nigerian states on Wednesday presented a complex picture, characterized by both the seamless affirmation of candidates through consensus and the disruptive emergence of protests and allegations of irregularities. In Kaduna State, for instance, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dahiru Liman, along with the Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader, secured their tickets for the 2027 state assembly elections via consensus. This process, where lawmakers emerged unopposed after affirmation by party leaders, officials, and supporters, was replicated in other constituencies.

However, the narrative of consensus was not universally applied or accepted. Several APC aspirants in Kaduna State chose to withdraw from their races, endorsing consensus candidates following consultations and interventions, reportedly by Governor Uba Sani. This move, framed as solidarity with the governor's leadership and commitment to the party's victory, highlights the internal dynamics and power plays within the APC. In Kogi State, Emmanuel Obaro clinched the ticket for Yagba East State Constituency through a direct primary election, with party stakeholders attributing his success to grassroots mobilization.

While the APC aims to present a united front, the reported controversies in Lagos, including the defeat of actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot, underscore the challenges in ensuring a transparent and universally accepted primary process. From a Nigerian perspective, these primaries are more than just candidate selections; they are crucial barometers of party cohesion, internal democracy, and the potential for electoral success. The tension between consensus-building and direct primaries, alongside the inevitable protests, reflects the intricate political landscape of the nation. As The Punch, we aim to provide a balanced report, acknowledging both the party's efforts to streamline the nomination process and the legitimate concerns raised by aspirants and stakeholders regarding fairness and transparency.

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We stand in full solidarity with the progressive leadership of Governor Senator Uba Sani and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to his successful re-election and the overall victory of the APC in Kaduna State and across the nation.