The APC Good Governance and Justice Forum has warned against any attempt to substitute winners of the party’s recently concluded primaries, saying such moves would trigger legal battles and harm the party’s chances in the forthcoming elections
The APC Good Governance and Justice Forum has issued a strong warning to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress against any alleged plan to substitute candidates who legitimately won the party’s recently concluded primary elections.
Also read: ADC Chieftain Brands Justice Lifu APC Mole in Deregistration Row
In a statement signed by its National Convener, Umar Mustapha, on Thursday, the group described such potential substitutions as a direct assault on internal party democracy that could plunge the ruling party into prolonged legal disputes.
“The conclusion of the All Progressives Congress primary elections across the country should ordinarily mark the beginning of reconciliation, consultation and preparation for the forthcoming elections,” the forum said. “It is therefore deeply disturbing that credible reports have continued to emerge suggesting that there are ongoing attempts in certain quarters to substitute or replace the names of candidates who legitimately emerged victorious.”
The group emphasised that arbitrary substitution of candidates would betray the trust of delegates and aspirants who participated in good faith.
It warned that the consequences would be grave, including multiple court cases, deepened internal divisions, and distraction from critical campaign preparations.
Umar Mustapha noted that past experiences have shown how such disputes often prevent parties from fielding candidates in affected constituencies, ultimately benefiting the opposition.
The forum appealed to the APC National Working Committee, the APC Governors’ Forum, the National Chairman, and the party’s National Leader to respect the outcome of the primaries and resist any backdoor arrangements.
It also drew the attention of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the emerging situation, stressing that developments capable of generating widespread political tension deserve careful monitoring.
This latest intervention comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of the APC primaries conducted ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Many observers believe that respecting primary results will be crucial for maintaining party unity and strengthening the APC’s position at the polls.
Also read: ADC Chieftain Brands Justice Lifu APC Mole in Deregistration Row
The forum urged all stakeholders to prioritise fairness, transparency and long-term stability over individual ambitions, warning that undermining duly elected candidates could erode members’ confidence in the party’s democratic credentials.
