Tensions rise over APC Taraba primaries outcome erupts over alleged irregularities, triggering disputes, internal rifts and fears of litigation ahead of 2027
The All Progressives Congress primaries in Taraba State, Nigeria, conducted in recent days have triggered a wave of political tension, as allegations of manipulation, procedural irregularities and internal discord continue to dominate reactions to what has now become the APC Taraba Primaries Controversy.
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What was intended as a structured democratic exercise to select candidates for elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections reportedly descended into confusion across several constituencies, with aggrieved aspirants and party stakeholders raising serious concerns over the credibility of the process.
Several aspirants alleged that the primaries were marred by transparency failures, including delayed arrival of electoral materials, disputed voting procedures and claims that outcomes may have been predetermined before voting commenced in some locations.
Among the most vocal critics was governorship aspirant David Sabo Kente, who alleged that no genuine House of Representatives primaries were held in parts of the state, describing the exercise as fundamentally flawed and lacking integrity.
David Sabo Kente further claimed that electoral materials arrived late in certain areas while results were allegedly circulating before proper voting processes could take place, intensifying suspicions surrounding the APC Taraba Primaries Controversy.
He also alleged that some materials were distributed overnight, while videos circulated on social media appearing to show completed voting exercises, raising further questions about the transparency of the process.
These allegations have fuelled growing concern among party members that the outcomes of the primaries may have been predetermined, deepening mistrust within the Taraba State chapter of the APC.
However, the APC leadership in Taraba State has strongly rejected the claims. Party spokesperson Aaron Artimas described the allegations as false and misleading, insisting that the primaries were conducted successfully across the state in line with party guidelines.
Despite this rebuttal, dissenting voices within the party argue that the leadership has not sufficiently addressed concerns raised by aspirants, with some accusing officials of dismissing complaints as the grievances of dissatisfied contestants rather than engaging with the substance of the allegations.
The controversy has also heightened fears of possible legal action, particularly over claims of imposed candidates through consensus arrangements that some aspirants insist were not properly agreed upon.
Under Nigeria’s electoral framework, consensus candidacy requires the voluntary written consent of all cleared aspirants. However, reports suggest that some participants felt pressured to withdraw, while others alleged selective enforcement of party rules in favour of preferred candidates, further intensifying the APC Taraba Primaries Controversy.
Political observers say the unfolding dispute exposes deeper contradictions within the party’s internal democratic process, particularly the gap between official commitments to transparency and allegations of behind-the-scenes political bargaining.
Tensions within the APC in Taraba State are also believed to have escalated following the political realignment involving Governor Agbu Kefas, whose reported movement into the party is said to have shifted internal power dynamics and triggered resentment among long-standing members.
Grassroots stakeholders have expressed concern over what they describe as the growing dominance of elite negotiations over broader participation, warning that such developments could weaken internal cohesion.
Although the APC adopted direct primaries to enhance inclusiveness and reduce internal friction, the process in Taraba has instead generated further controversy, with complaints centred on logistics, membership verification and monitoring mechanisms.
Political analysts note that the situation reflects a wider pattern in Nigerian party politics, where allegations of manipulation, elite influence and disputed outcomes frequently overshadow internal electoral exercises across major political parties.
APC in Taraba State now faces mounting pressure to manage internal grievances, as dissatisfaction continues to grow and fears of defections emerge in the aftermath of the disputed primaries.
Observers warn that if unresolved, the current APC Taraba Primaries Controversy could weaken the party’s electoral competitiveness ahead of future elections, particularly as opposition parties look to exploit internal divisions.
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As senatorial primaries continue across the state, political attention remains fixed on whether similar disputes will arise in the next phase of the APC’s internal electoral process, with party unity now under renewed scrutiny.
