The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended its decision to replace some candidates after the conclusion of its primary elections, maintaining that the changes were made through an established internal review process rather than through arbitrary decisions.
According to the Nigeria politics news update today , the ruling party insisted that every substitution followed the procedures outlined in its constitution and electoral guidelines, rejecting allegations that party tickets were handed to individuals who did not participate in the primaries.
APC Says Appeals Were Thoroughly Examined
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, disclosed that the party received more than 720 petitions from aspirants dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries.
He explained that the complaints were first examined by appeal committees before recommendations were forwarded to the National Working Committee (NWC) for further consideration.
According to Gossip News Now, Felix Morka stated that the party leadership conducted an additional review of the appeal committee reports before reaching its final decisions, insisting that every candidate substitution emerged from that process.
Primary Elections Extend Beyond Voting
Responding to accusations that the substitutions violated provisions of the Electoral Act, Felix Morka argued that primary elections involve more than the actual voting exercise.
He explained that post-primary dispute resolution forms an essential part of the nomination process, adding that appeal mechanisms exist specifically to address complaints arising from the conduct of party primaries.
The APC spokesman stressed that reviewing petitions after voting was neither unusual nor designed to favour particular individuals.
Party Rejects Claims of Secret Candidate Replacements
The ruling party also dismissed allegations that people who neither purchased nomination forms nor participated in screening exercises were eventually awarded party tickets.
Felix Morka stated that he was unaware of any verified instance where an individual who failed to participate in the party’s nomination process suddenly emerged as a candidate.
He challenged critics to present specific examples, promising that any credible allegation would be investigated by the party.
Engagements Ongoing With Aggrieved Aspirants
Acknowledging that internal contests naturally produce winners and losers, Felix Morka said the party understands why some aspirants remain dissatisfied.
He noted that the leadership has already begun engaging those affected by the outcomes in an effort to reassure them that the review process was conducted fairly and without personal bias.
The APC spokesman emphasized that only one aspirant can ultimately secure a party ticket in each contest, making disappointment unavoidable in highly competitive elections.
APC Dismisses Political Manipulation Allegations
The party also rejected suggestions that the appeal process was used to undermine governors or settle political disagreements in certain states.
According to Felix Morka, no political organization would deliberately overturn legitimate outcomes without compelling reasons, adding that the review system exists to correct genuine irregularities whenever complaints are received.
He argued that primary elections are not immune to mistakes, making an appeal process necessary to protect the integrity of internal party democracy.
Ruling Party Expresses Confidence Ahead of Future Elections
Addressing claims that the APC is worried about opposition parties ahead of future elections, Felix Morka dismissed the suggestion, insisting that the party remains optimistic.
He pointed to the party’s victories in several elections conducted since the 2023 general elections, including recent by-elections, as evidence that the APC continues to enjoy broad electoral support.
The spokesman added that the party remains focused on strengthening its structures and preparing for future contests rather than being distracted by claims of political uncertainty.
Commentary and Analysis
The defence mounted by the APC highlights the increasing importance of internal dispute resolution within Nigeria’s political parties as preparations for future elections intensify. Candidate selection remains one of the most contentious stages of the electoral process, often generating legal and political challenges long after primary elections have concluded.
The controversy surrounding candidate substitutions also underscores the need for transparent internal procedures capable of inspiring confidence among party members. As political activities gather momentum ahead of the next general elections, how parties manage internal grievances could significantly influence party unity and electoral performance.
