The All Progressives Congress is facing significant internal friction following the disqualification of more than 150 aspirants by various state screening panels ahead of primary elections. Investigation reveals that aggrieved politicians in states such as Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Plateau are currently preparing legal challenges to contest the results of the screening exercise. The nationwide process has triggered allegations of foul play and manipulation.
In Rivers State, only 33 aspirants were cleared for the House of Assembly race while 65 others were disqualified. The situation was further complicated after the secretary of the screening committee, Tanko Yamowa, publicly denounced a circulated list of cleared candidates as unauthorized and false. The confusion has sparked protests among supporters of affected aspirants who claim the process was manipulated to favor specific interests.
The screening outcomes have also resulted in high profile exits from the party. In Taraba State, a founding member and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly resigned and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party citing a lack of transparency. Similarly, an aspirant for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Christian Nwali, resigned in protest against the consensus arrangement adopted by the state chapter. Nwali, a close ally of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, alleged that many aspirants with significant followings were deliberately locked out of the contest.
Complaints of selective treatment and the withholding of nomination forms have been widespread. One disqualified aspirant stated, "Forms that should be open to all qualified members are being shared selectively, and many of us with strong followings have been locked out." These grievances have fueled fears of mass defections that could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Appeal panels across the country have begun receiving petitions from those dissatisfied with the results. One appeal panel chairman disclosed that his committee had already received 19 petitions with more expected before the Wednesday, May 13 deadline. The panels have promised a fair hearing but noted that the screening reports would serve as a guide regarding the infractions that led to the initial disqualifications. The party leadership now faces the task of managing the fallout to avoid prolonged litigation and potential electoral losses.
0 Comments