APC Primary Winners Raise Alarm Over Delay in Certificates of Return, Fear Candidate Substitution

Growing unease has gripped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as winners of the party’s recently concluded primary elections accuse the National Working Committee (NWC) of delaying the issuance of Certificates of Return, sparking fears of possible candidate substitution ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Several victorious aspirants, who spoke anonymously for fear of sanctions, alleged that the prolonged delay was creating uncertainty within the party and raising concerns that the outcomes of the primaries could be altered through administrative actions at the national level.

The aspirants claimed that despite being declared winners by various primary election committees between May 15 and May 23, many have yet to receive the official certificates confirming their candidacy.

According to them, comments allegedly made by some members of the party’s National Working Committee suggesting that the leadership retains the final authority to determine candidates have further heightened apprehension among party faithful.

“We participated in the primaries in good faith; results were announced by the duly constituted committees and winners emerged. But weeks later, many of us are yet to receive our Certificates of Return,” one aspirant said.

“What is even more troubling is the suggestion that the party leadership can decide who eventually becomes a candidate regardless of who won the primary. That is dangerous and undermines internal democracy.”

Another victorious aspirant alleged that there were efforts by influential figures within the party to replace candidates who were not politically aligned with certain interests at the national level.

The controversy has been amplified by comparisons with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who received his Certificate of Return shortly after securing the APC presidential ticket.

The aspirants argued that while the President’s certificate was issued without delay, many other successful candidates across the country remain in limbo.

“The President has already received his Certificate of Return. The party should not create the impression that some victories are more valid than others,” another aspirant stated.

When contacted, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, neither confirmed nor denied the allegations.

“The party leadership has done nothing to warrant this question,” Morka told reporters.

However, sources within the party leadership maintained that the National Working Committee was still reviewing reports submitted by various primary election committees and would take decisions in accordance with the APC constitution and electoral guidelines.

The development has also drawn reactions from party stakeholders across the country, who warned against any attempt to overturn the outcomes of consensus or direct primaries.

In a memorandum addressed to the APC National Chairman and members of the NWC, a group of stakeholders led by Barrister Abdullazeez Mamman argued that committees assigned to conduct the primaries acted on behalf of the party leadership and that their declarations should not be arbitrarily reversed.

“The ballot is not a proposal. The will of party members expressed through consensus and direct primary elections is not subject to nullification by administrative fiat,” the memorandum stated.

The controversy comes at a critical time for the APC as it seeks to consolidate internal unity ahead of the 2027 elections. While party leaders insist that due process is being followed, growing concerns among victorious aspirants are likely to intensify pressure on the NWC to clarify its position and expedite the issuance of Certificates of Return.

With allegations of possible candidate substitution already fueling anxiety within party ranks, political observers say the party’s next steps could have significant implications for its internal cohesion and electoral preparations.