Fresh allegations of vote-buying and financial inducement have continued to trail the ongoing primaries of the All Progressives Congress in several states across the country, raising concerns over the credibility of the party’s internal democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports emerging from different primary election venues indicate that delegates were allegedly offered cash, gifts, and other incentives in exchange for support during the party’s nomination exercises.
The allegations have sparked outrage among party members and political observers, many of whom warned that the growing monetisation of the electoral process could undermine public confidence in democracy.
Some aggrieved aspirants accused powerful political blocs within the party of hijacking the primaries through financial influence and intimidation, while others alleged that delegates were openly negotiated with moments before voting commenced.
In several states, tensions reportedly escalated as supporters of rival aspirants exchanged accusations over the distribution of money and inducements around accreditation centres and hotels housing delegates.
Political analysts have described the situation as a major test for the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission and anti-corruption agencies, urging authorities to closely monitor party primaries and enforce electoral laws prohibiting vote trading.
The controversies surrounding the APC primaries come amid increasing public scrutiny of Nigeria’s political culture, where concerns over delegate manipulation and financial influence have repeatedly dominated intra-party contests.
Observers say the outcome of the primaries may significantly shape political alignments and defections ahead of the 2027 elections.
