The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that its upcoming presidential primaries will be conducted across all 8,809 wards in Nigeria, in what party leaders describe as a bold move to deepen internal democracy and strengthen grassroots participation in the selection of its presidential candidate.
The decision marks one of the most extensive primary election structures ever adopted by a major political party in Nigeria, reflecting the APC’s intention to involve a broader base of party members in the nomination process ahead of the next general election.
Nationwide ward-based primaries to shape APC presidential candidate
According to the party’s leadership, the presidential primary exercise will be carried out simultaneously across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with voting taking place in all registered wards under the supervision of electoral committees.
Nigeria currently has 8,809 political wards, and the APC says the decentralised structure will ensure that party members at the lowest political level are directly involved in choosing the party’s flagbearer.
Party officials argue that this approach will reduce elite dominance in candidate selection and allow for a more representative outcome that reflects the will of grassroots members.
The APC leadership also noted that the system is designed to improve transparency, reduce internal disputes, and strengthen legitimacy ahead of the national elections.
Strengthening internal democracy within APC
The ruling party has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to internal democracy, and the ward-based primary system is being presented as part of broader reforms aimed at making the party more participatory.
Political analysts say the decision could significantly reshape how presidential candidates emerge in Nigeria’s dominant parties, where indirect primaries involving selected delegates have traditionally been the norm.
By expanding voting participation to ward-level party members, the APC is attempting to widen political inclusion and reduce allegations of imposition that have often surrounded party primaries in the past.
A senior party official described the move as “a return to the grassroots,” noting that the APC wants “every loyal member to have a voice in choosing the party’s presidential candidate.”
Electoral logistics across 8,809 wards
Organising primaries across 8,809 wards presents a massive logistical challenge for the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-regulated process.
Party officials say ward congress committees will be deployed to manage accreditation, voting, and collation of results. Security agencies are also expected to be involved to ensure a peaceful process across all polling locations.
The APC national secretariat has reportedly begun coordination with state chapters to compile updated membership registers and ensure only eligible party members participate in the exercise.
Observers note that the scale of the exercise will require strict coordination, particularly in states with large numbers of wards and high political competition.
Implications for presidential aspirants
The new structure is expected to significantly alter campaign strategies for presidential aspirants within the APC. Instead of focusing primarily on national delegates, candidates will now need to build stronger grassroots networks across thousands of wards.
Political analysts say this could favour aspirants with established local party structures and strong grassroots mobilisation capacity, rather than those relying solely on elite endorsements.
The system may also increase the importance of state-level political godfathers, ward chairmen, and local party executives who will play key roles in voter mobilisation and coordination.
Some aspirants have reportedly welcomed the decision, describing it as a more democratic approach that gives ordinary party members greater influence in determining the party’s direction.
Challenges and concerns over credibility
Despite the optimism expressed by party leaders, concerns remain over the feasibility and credibility of conducting presidential primaries across such a vast number of wards.
Critics argue that logistical constraints, voter manipulation risks, and inconsistent enforcement of party rules could undermine the process if not properly managed.
There are also questions about whether the APC has the infrastructure to ensure uniform standards across all states, especially in rural areas where electoral monitoring may be more difficult.
However, party officials insist that safeguards will be put in place, including electronic tracking systems, monitoring teams, and strict accreditation procedures to ensure transparency.
Comparison with previous primary systems
Traditionally, political parties in Nigeria, including the APC, have relied on indirect primaries where accredited delegates vote at designated centres. These delegates are usually selected through state congresses and represent party members at the national level.
The shift to a ward-based system represents a significant departure from this model and may signal a broader trend toward more decentralised internal party democracy.
Analysts suggest that if successfully implemented, the APC’s approach could influence other political parties in Nigeria to adopt similar grassroots-driven nomination processes.
Political significance ahead of the next election
The presidential primary is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the APC’s strategy ahead of the next general election. As Nigeria’s ruling party, the APC’s choice of candidate will likely have a major impact on the national political landscape.
The outcome of the ward-level primaries will also test the party’s organisational strength and its ability to manage large-scale internal elections without major disputes or post-primary litigation.
Political watchers say the credibility of the process could either strengthen the APC’s unity or expose internal divisions, depending on how well the exercise is managed.
Grassroots mobilisation becomes key factor
With voting taking place across 8,809 wards, grassroots mobilisation is expected to become the most important factor in determining the outcome of the primaries.
Party members at the ward level will effectively hold significant influence in deciding who becomes the APC presidential candidate, making local engagement a top priority for all aspirants.
Campaign teams are already expected to begin early outreach efforts to build support networks at the community level, including meetings with ward executives and local stakeholders.
