Tensions surrounding the recently concluded senatorial primary election in Niger State’s Niger South Senatorial District, popularly known as Zone A, took a new turn on Thursday as members of the ruling (APC), alongside constituents and stakeholders from the district, staged a peaceful protest at the party’s national secretariat in Wuse II, Abuja.
The protesters, who arrived in the Federal Capital Territory under the umbrella of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), submitted a petition to the party’s leadership, alleging manipulation of the APC’s Niger South Senatorial primary election and demanding urgent intervention by the National Working Committee (NWC).
The delegation was led by the CNCSOs and represented a broad coalition of stakeholders, including youths, women, community leaders, party members, and residents of the senatorial district.
In the petition signed by Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince, Deputy National Secretary of the CNCSOs, the group expressed concern over what it described as widespread irregularities and a lack of transparency during the conduct of the primary election.
According to the petition, allegations surrounding the exercise include the exclusion of legitimate delegates, political interference, manipulation of the electoral process, and the purported imposition of a preferred candidate against the wishes of party members and stakeholders.
The protesters argued that the controversy generated by the primary election had created widespread dissatisfaction among party faithful and constituents who expected a democratic process anchored on fairness, transparency, and respect for the will of delegates.
“We are deeply disturbed by the widespread allegations surrounding the conduct of the purported primary election,” the petition stated, adding that democracy within political parties must be protected from undue influence and manipulation.
The group demanded the immediate cancellation and nullification of the disputed primary election and called for the conduct of a fresh exercise that would be free, fair, transparent, credible, and in compliance with the Electoral Act and the APC Constitution.
They also called for an end to political interference and candidate imposition within party structures, insisting that delegates and party members should be allowed to determine their representatives without external influence.
Among the strongest assertions contained in the petition was a direct rejection of any attempt to impose a senatorial candidate on the people of Zone A.
The coalition maintained that the democratic wishes of delegates and constituents must prevail, declaring that “the people must decide, the delegates must decide, and democracy must decide.”
The protesters specifically alleged that should not be allowed to determine who emerges as senator for the district through political influence or imposition.
Receiving the petition in person, the APC National Chairman assured the protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to the party’s legal department for consideration.
However, he emphasized that under the provisions of the Electoral Act and established party procedures, it is primarily the aspirants who participated in the primary election that possess the legal standing to challenge the conduct and outcome of the exercise.
The chairman explained that the party had already constituted an appeal committee to receive complaints arising from the primary elections and that aspirants were expected to submit their grievances within the timelines provided by the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He stated that all petitions submitted through the proper channels within the stipulated period were being reviewed and treated by the appropriate organs of the party.
According to him, any complaint alleging genuine infractions of party guidelines or electoral laws would receive due consideration by the APC’s legal unit.
While urging the protesters to encourage affected aspirants to pursue available legal and party mechanisms, the chairman reiterated the party’s commitment to internal dispute resolution and grassroots engagement.
He assured the delegation that the APC values the voices of its members and supporters and remains committed to addressing concerns arising from its internal democratic processes.
“We need the people. We need the votes. And we cannot discard any voice,” he told the protesters.
The APC chairman further noted that his decision to personally receive the delegation underscored the party’s willingness to listen to grievances and maintain open channels of communication with its members.
The development highlights growing tensions within the party in Niger State following the conclusion of its primary elections and underscores continuing concerns about internal party democracy ahead of future electoral contests.
Political observers say the manner in which the APC handles the complaints may have implications for party unity and cohesion in Niger South Senatorial District as preparations continue for the next electoral cycle.
