APC Primaries: Internal Mechanisms Tested as Party Claims Near-Perfect Exercise
The Report
As reported by Daily Nigerian, the National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared the party’s recent primaries as “near perfect” and largely free of rancour. Speaking after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, Yilwatda assured party members that any grievances arising from the exercise would be resolved through established internal mechanisms.
Yilwatda attributed the smooth conduct to the party’s growing acceptance and popularity nationwide, describing the primaries as among the most competitive in Nigeria’s political history. He acknowledged that some members might feel aggrieved but insisted the APC possesses effective conflict resolution structures, including the Presidential Conflict Resolution Committee and the Party Conflict Resolution Committee. He also disclosed that President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the logistics and strategies deployed across the country.
“It’s near rancour-free, very organised, with little complaints. It’s usual for people to complain in election processes, but it’s near perfect.”
On the issue of consensus arrangements in some states, Yilwatda clarified that party guidelines clearly stipulate procedures for both consensus and direct primaries, adding that where consensus fails, direct primaries are conducted.
WANA Regional Analysis
The APC’s claim of a near-perfect primary exercise carries significant weight beyond Nigeria’s borders, given the party’s dominance in Africa’s most populous nation and its influence on regional political dynamics. For West Africa, where electoral integrity remains a persistent challenge, the conduct of internal party elections often serves as a bellwether for broader democratic health.
From an ECOWAS perspective, the APC’s ability to manage internal disputes without escalating into widespread violence or legal gridlock is a positive signal. The region has witnessed numerous post-election crises that destabilise governments and disrupt economic integration efforts. If the APC’s internal mechanisms prove effective in resolving grievances, it could offer a model for other ruling parties in the region—particularly in countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, where intra-party conflicts frequently spill into the public domain.
However, the assertion of a “near perfect” process must be weighed against the reality of political competition in Nigeria. Historically, Nigerian party primaries have been marred by allegations of manipulation, vote-buying, and imposition of candidates. The absence of major rancour may reflect improved logistics and coordination, but it does not necessarily indicate deeper democratic consolidation. The true test will be whether the party’s conflict resolution committees can deliver outcomes perceived as fair by aggrieved members, especially those who lost to consensus candidates.
From a governance standpoint, the APC’s internal stability is critical for President Tinubu’s administration. A fractured ruling party could undermine legislative cohesion and slow down policy implementation, particularly on economic reforms and security sector overhaul. The President’s reported satisfaction with the primaries suggests a desire to project unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, but the absence of visible dissent does not guarantee long-term loyalty.
Economically, political stability in Nigeria has direct implications for the West African region. Nigeria accounts for over 60% of ECOWAS GDP, and any political turbulence in Abuja reverberates through regional trade, currency stability, and investment flows. A smooth primary process reduces short-term political risk, which could encourage foreign direct investment in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Security implications also merit attention. In the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, where Nigeria’s military plays a leading role in counter-insurgency operations, political distractions at home can weaken regional security coordination. The APC’s ability to conduct primaries without major incidents suggests that the party’s organisational discipline may help maintain focus on external threats.
Against this backdrop, the APC’s internal mechanisms will be closely watched by regional analysts. If the party successfully resolves post-primary disputes through its committees, it could strengthen the case for institutionalising conflict resolution within political parties across West Africa. Conversely, if grievances fester and lead to defections or legal battles, the narrative of a “near perfect” exercise will be quickly undermined.
Regional Backdrop
Nigeria’s political parties have historically struggled with internal democracy. The transition from military rule in 1999 brought competitive elections, but party primaries have often been characterised by elite bargaining and exclusion of grassroots voices. The APC itself was formed in 2013 through a merger of several opposition parties, and internal factionalism has been a recurring theme. The party’s current claim of improved discipline reflects a broader trend across West Africa, where ruling parties are increasingly adopting direct primaries to enhance legitimacy—though implementation remains uneven.
In the ECOWAS region, countries like Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana have seen ruling parties use consensus arrangements to manage internal competition, sometimes at the cost of excluding viable challengers. The APC’s experience may offer lessons for these nations, particularly on the balance between party unity and democratic participation.
Original Reporting By:
Daily Nigerian