Multiple controversies, allegations of irregularities and surprise defeats have trailed the House of Representatives primary elections of the ruling All Progressives Congress across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The primaries, conducted across the 360 federal constituencies between Saturday and Sunday, witnessed protests, conflicting results, violence and accusations of candidate imposition in several states.
In Plateau State, confusion erupted in the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency after two different returning officers declared separate winners.
While one announced incumbent lawmaker Yusuf Adamu Gagdi as winner, another declared Dr. John Tongshinen victorious. The crisis also turned deadly after a resident was reportedly shot during protests over delays in the exercise.
In Katsina State, aspirant Ahmed Sale Junior alleged he was detained by DSS operatives during the election, preventing him from participating in the process. The state government, however, denied involvement in the incident.
Several aspirants in Kaduna, Gombe, Adamawa, Ondo and Ekiti states rejected the outcomes of the primaries, alleging manipulation, lack of transparency and failure to conduct actual voting in some constituencies.
In Adamawa State, aggrieved aspirants and supporters staged protests against alleged imposition of candidates, carrying placards demanding transparent primaries and internal democracy within the party.
Drama also unfolded in Bauchi State where an aspirant, Salisu Sabo, held a victory rally before official results were announced, claiming he had already secured victory based on reports from his agents.
Viral videos circulating online further fueled controversy, showing alleged irregularities during vote counting in some states, including Ebonyi and Kaduna, where election officials were accused of inflating figures during the counting process.
Political analysts say the disputes recorded during the House of Representatives primaries could signal tougher battles ahead as the party prepares for senatorial and governorship primaries.
