Taraba APC primaries marred by allegations, confusion, internal crisis

The All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries held in Taraba State have become a focal point of controversy, with accusations of manipulation, irregularities, and internal discord threatening to deepen tensions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

What was intended as a democratic process to select candidates for elective positions devolved into confusion and allegations of fraud, as disappointed aspirants and party stakeholders continue to challenge the credibility of the exercise.

Several aspirants claimed that the primaries lacked transparency and were marked by procedural inconsistencies, including the late arrival of electoral materials, disputed voting procedures, and assertions that outcomes were predetermined.

Governorship aspirant David Sabo Kente was among the most vocal critics, alleging that no genuine House of Representatives primaries were held in several parts of the state.

According to Kente, electoral materials reportedly arrived late in some locations, while results had already been announced before voting could properly commence.

He also claimed that election materials were distributed overnight, even as social media videos appeared to show completed voting exercises, raising doubts about the integrity of the process.

These allegations have led party members to suspect that the primary outcomes may have been decided long before delegates and members cast their votes.

However, the APC leadership in Taraba has dismissed the claims, insisting that the primaries were successfully conducted across the state. Party spokesperson Aaron Artimas described the allegations as “false and misleading,” asserting that due process was followed.

Despite the official response, critics within the party argued that concerns over transparency were not adequately addressed. Some stakeholders accused party officials of relying on political intimidation and dismissing aggrieved aspirants as “bad losers” rather than responding directly to procedural complaints.

The controversy has also heightened fears of potential litigation, particularly over alleged attempts to impose candidates through consensus arrangements.

Under Nigeria’s electoral guidelines, consensus candidacy requires the voluntary written consent of all cleared aspirants. Reports from within the party suggest that some aspirants felt pressured to step down, while others accused leaders of selectively applying the rules to favor preferred candidates.

Political observers say the situation has exposed deeper contradictions within the party, especially between the APC’s public commitment to “internal democracy” and allegations of backdoor political negotiations.

Tensions reportedly escalated further following the political realignment involving Governor Agbu Kefas, whose move into the APC is believed to have altered the balance of power within the state chapter.

This development has reportedly generated resentment among long‑standing APC members, many of whom fear that the party structure is increasingly being controlled by newly aligned political interests.

Grassroots members have also expressed dissatisfaction over what they describe as the growing influence of elite negotiations over popular participation within the party.

Although the APC adopted direct primaries to ease internal tensions and broaden participation, the process instead generated further controversy, with complaints over membership verification, logistical challenges, and monitoring procedures.

Political analysts note that the controversy reflects broader concerns about the conduct of party primaries in Nigeria, where allegations of manipulation, elite interference, and disputed results have become recurring issues across major political parties.

The APC in Taraba now faces growing concerns over party cohesion as reports of dissatisfaction and possible defections continue to emerge following the disputed primaries.

Observers warn that unresolved grievances could weaken the party ahead of future elections, especially as opposition parties seek to capitalize on internal divisions.

Many party supporters have also expressed concern that repeated controversies surrounding party primaries risk deepening public distrust in the democratic process.

As senatorial primaries continue across the state on Monday, political observers are closely monitoring developments to see whether similar controversies will emerge in the next phase of the APC’s internal elections.