APC Primaries: Chairman Defends Credibility Amid Allegations of Figure Manipulation
The Report
As reported by Persecondnews journalist Omoyeni Ojeifo, the National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has publicly defended the outcome of the party’s presidential primaries held on Saturday, May 23. In an interview on Channels Television, Yilwatda rejected claims that the primary figures were manipulated, asserting that the high turnout reflected the APC’s expanding grassroots structure and growing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have one of the most prepared machinery, a political machine that’s prepared for war and can tackle any political opponent at any given time,” Yilwatda said.
He further argued that the party’s increasing control of states, National Assembly seats, and grassroots structures justified the turnout, pointing to shifts in political allegiance in regions such as the South-South and North-West. Yilwatda also highlighted the APC’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms as superior to those of other parties, and urged citizens to be patient with the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms.
WANA Regional Analysis
The APC chairman’s robust defence of the primary process comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s political landscape, with implications that extend well beyond the ruling party’s internal dynamics. For the broader West African region, the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral processes—both intra-party and general—remains a bellwether for democratic governance in the ECOWAS bloc.
From a regional governance perspective, the APC’s assertion of a well-prepared political machine signals a consolidation of power that could reshape Nigeria’s political equilibrium ahead of 2027. If the party’s claims of expanding control in historically opposition-dominated zones—such as the South-South and parts of the North-West—are substantiated, it would represent a significant realignment of Nigeria’s political geography. This has direct consequences for ECOWAS, as Nigeria’s stability and democratic trajectory often influence regional diplomatic and security frameworks.
Economically, the chairman’s call for patience with the Tinubu administration’s reforms—particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, and social programs—underscores a delicate balancing act. West African investors and regional trade partners will be watching closely: sustained political stability in Nigeria is a prerequisite for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the region. Any perception of electoral manipulation or internal party strife could undermine investor confidence, not just in Nigeria but across the West African corridor.
From a security standpoint, the APC’s emphasis on internal conflict resolution mechanisms is noteworthy. In a region where post-election violence has historically destabilised countries—from Côte d’Ivoire to Sierra Leone—the party’s claim of a robust reconciliation process could serve as a model. However, the credibility of such mechanisms will be tested if disputes from these primaries escalate. The ECOWAS Commission, which has increasingly focused on preventive diplomacy, may find lessons in the APC’s approach—or cautionary tales if divisions deepen.
Diplomatically, the APC’s assertion of growing control in the South-South—a region with significant oil and gas resources—carries implications for Nigeria’s energy policy and its role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). A ruling party with a firmer grip on resource-rich states could streamline policy implementation, but it also risks alienating opposition voices in a region where political inclusivity is vital for long-term stability.
Against this backdrop, the APC’s primary process is more than a routine internal exercise. It is a stress test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and a signal to the West African region about the trajectory of its largest economy. The coming months will reveal whether the party’s confidence is matched by transparent governance and whether the opposition can mount a credible challenge.
Regional Backdrop
Nigeria’s political history is replete with instances where intra-party disputes have spilled into national crises. The 2015 general elections, which saw the first peaceful transfer of power between parties, set a high bar for democratic maturity in West Africa. Since then, the APC’s internal cohesion has been tested by defections, factional disputes, and primary controversies. The party’s current claim of a well-oiled political machine echoes similar assertions made ahead of the 2023 elections, which were marred by logistical challenges and allegations of irregularities. For ECOWAS, which has invested heavily in election observation and democratic consolidation, the credibility of Nigeria’s party primaries remains a litmus test for the region’s democratic health.
Original Reporting By:
Persecondnews