The All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries have been characterized by chaos, imposition, and irregularities, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria. Vice President Kashim Shettima appears to be one of the few sober voices in the party, urging members not to destroy the party in his essay titled 2027: Don't pull down the roof. However, his plea seems to have fallen on deaf ears as governors and party leaders have hijacked the process.
Governors Take Control
President Bola Tinubu delegated the management of primaries to state governors, who in turn imposed candidates rather than allowing free and fair elections. In Borno State, Shettima reportedly lost the battle over who should succeed Governor Babagana Zulum, with Zulum's preferred candidate, Mustapha Gubio, winning the ticket. The Vice President accepted the outcome, recalling that he had similarly nominated Zulum as his successor when he was governor.
Lagos Exception
However, there is a contradiction: while governors manage primaries in their states, the Lagos State governor is sidelined. Since 2007, Bola Tinubu has personally overseen elections in Lagos, selecting candidates and even the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This top-down approach undermines the democratic process.
Violence and Intimidation
In Lagos, primaries were marred by violence, including broken skulls and bloodied noses. In Surulere Constituency 1, President Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, informed lawmaker Desmond Elliot that his services would no longer be needed after May 2027, citing Tinubu's grudge over Elliot's role in the brief ouster of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Elliot was effectively forced out of the race, highlighting the lack of internal democracy.
Displaced Candidates
Several prominent APC members have been displaced. In Delta State, Senator Ned Nwoko, who defected from the PDP, was sidelined in the Delta North primaries. Former Minister Isa Pantami withdrew from the Gombe State governorship primary, citing irregularities and violation of the Electoral Act. In Ogun East, Senator Gbenga Daniel quit the race due to threats of violence, allowing Governor Dapo Abiodun to secure the ticket. In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the governorship primary for the sake of peace, effectively handing control to Nyesom Wike.
Disputed Screening
The APC's screening process has also been criticized. The North-Central APC Forum alleged that the process was commercialized, with party national officers disqualifying aspirants who did not align with their interests. President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the primaries, and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda praised the outcome as evidence of the party's broad acceptance.
Legal Challenge
However, a potential legal setback looms. Justice M.G. Umar of the FCT High Court ruled that INEC was wrong to set dates for primaries outside the timelines provided in the Electoral Act. If the ruling stands, the APC's primaries could be invalidated.
Vice President Shettima's essay warned against pulling down the roof, but the primaries have left many members outside. The APC's actions may have long-term consequences for the party and democracy in Nigeria.
