The House of Representatives primaries conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Nigeria have generated widespread controversy following allegations of irregularities, chaotic vote counting, and the marginalization of recent defectors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The primaries, held on May 16 across the country’s 360 federal constituencies, were aimed at selecting the party’s candidates for the next election cycle. However, several voting centers reportedly witnessed disputes, protests, and accusations of manipulation by party members and aspirants.
Among those affected was incumbent lawmaker Ngozi Okolie, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the APC but allegedly faced resistance within the party structure during the primaries.
Social media platforms were flooded with videos and reports from different states showing scenes of confusion during the exercise. In one widely circulated clip from Ebonyi State, vote tallies appeared to jump abruptly from single digits to hundreds, sparking accusations of vote manipulation and lack of transparency.
Other reports from Lagos State indicated clashes among supporters and disagreements over accreditation and counting procedures at some polling venues.
Despite the controversies, APC officials defended the exercise, insisting that the majority of the primaries were conducted peacefully and in accordance with party guidelines. Party representatives stated that the process relied on direct voting by members and reflected democratic participation within the party.
Nevertheless, critics and opposition supporters questioned the credibility of the exercise, arguing that the reported irregularities reinforce long-standing concerns about internal party democracy and electoral integrity in Nigeria.
Supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were particularly vocal online, mocking the setbacks experienced by defectors who had abandoned the Labour Party for the APC. Many described the outcomes as political “karma,” reflecting growing frustration with the culture of frequent party switching among Nigerian politicians.
Political analysts say the controversies underscore the fluid and often unstable nature of party loyalty in Nigeria, where politicians frequently change affiliations in pursuit of strategic advantage ahead of elections.
The developments also raise broader questions about voter confidence, transparency, and the management of party primaries as a foundation for democratic credibility. Analysts warn that disputes arising from internal contests could lead to legal battles, defections, and lingering divisions within party ranks.
Attention is now shifting to the APC Senate primaries scheduled for May 18, with observers closely monitoring whether similar disputes and accusations will emerge during the next phase of candidate selection.
As Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 elections, the conduct of party primaries is expected to remain under intense scrutiny, especially amid growing public demands for fairer and more transparent political processes.
