No going back on primary results, APC tells aggrieved aspirants, Tinubu silent

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has ruled out any review of the results of its recently concluded primaries, insisting that the exercise has been concluded despite protests and petitions from dozens of aggrieved aspirants across the country.

The ruling party has finalised its list of candidates for the 2027 general elections and is preparing to upload the names of successful aspirants to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal once access codes are released.

According to senior party officials, the period for primaries and appeals has elapsed, and there are no plans to alter the outcome of the exercise.

“We are not reviewing the results of the primaries. Everything has been concluded. We are waiting for the code to upload the names of the winners,” a top APC official said.

The decision comes amid growing discontent within the party following the May primaries, which saw no fewer than 54 serving federal lawmakers lose their bids for re-election tickets.

Several aspirants from states including Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Kogi, Zamfara, Plateau and Osun have challenged the outcome of the primaries, alleging irregularities, imposition of candidates and manipulation of the process.

However, party officials dismissed many of the petitions as frivolous, insisting that the overwhelming majority failed to establish grounds strong enough to warrant a review.

The APC also denied reports suggesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had intervened in the post-primary disputes, maintaining that neither the Presidency nor the President had directed any review of the exercise.

Party sources further disclosed that candidates who emerged from the primaries, including those in controversial contests, remain the recognised winners and will be submitted to INEC ahead of the July deadline.

Meanwhile, some aggrieved aspirants continue to express hope that President Tinubu may still intervene before the final submission of candidates, warning that unresolved grievances could negatively affect the party’s performance in the 2027 general elections.

INEC is expected to release access codes to political parties on June 26, while July 11 remains the deadline for the submission of candidates’ particulars for the 2027 polls.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Community
For Quick Access To News and Happenings
Around You.