Victorious candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries have voiced their discontent over the prolonged wait for their Certificates of Return, sparking concerns of a possible scheme by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to tamper with the candidate list for the 2027 elections.
Unhappy contenders, who requested anonymity to avoid reprisals, said the hold-up is fueling suspicion, especially after some NWC members hinted that the leadership could override primary results. They fear the party secretariat might use administrative maneuvers to replace winners with preferred individuals.
One aspirant noted that while President Bola Tinubu received his certificate just hours after winning the presidential primary, other winners remain empty-handed weeks later. This disparity has led many to believe the party is applying double standards.
Another candidate alleged that influential party figures are already working behind the scenes to substitute certain winners with their own allies. The aggrieved aspirants called on the NWC to issue all certificates promptly to prevent further anxiety and potential internal crisis.
When approached for comment, APC spokesperson Felix Morka dismissed the allegations, stating the party had done nothing to warrant such concerns. However, internal sources revealed that the NWC is still reviewing primary reports and will make decisions based on the party’s constitution and guidelines.
Meanwhile, APC stakeholders across the country have warned the leadership against nullifying any primary outcomes based on what they term “premature announcements.” In a memorandum to the National Chairman and NWC members, the group, represented by Barrister Abdullazeez Mamman, argued that the primaries were conducted by committees acting under delegated authority, and the results reflect the will of party members. They insisted that the ballot is not a proposal subject to administrative nullification.
The controversy comes days after President Tinubu was handed his Certificate of Return for the presidential ticket, which he won with 10.9 million votes. This quick issuance for the president has only deepened the frustration among other winners, who now demand equal treatment.