APC Primaries 2026: Controversy and Protests Erupt

The All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted its primaries for the 2026 elections, with Bola Tinubu winning the presidential candidacy. The primaries were held across 8,809 wards nationwide, allowing registered party members to vote.

Despite a smooth process in many areas, significant controversy arose, particularly in Delta State, where former governor Ifeanyi Okowa claimed victory over incumbent senator Ned Nwoko, polling 113,309 votes to Nwoko's 2,612. Nwoko cautioned against celebrating prematurely, labeling the results as misleading.

In Ondo State, aspirant Wale Omoniyi rejected the primaries, stating no valid election occurred. Similar issues were reported in Gombe State, where Alfr Attajiri described the process as illegitimate.

Protests erupted in Adamawa State against alleged imposition of candidates, with aspirants like Ahmadu Nasara accusing the party of undermining democracy. The APC's National Working Committee (NWC) noted that the shadow elections were conducted without major incidents, but the backlash from various states indicates deep divisions within the party.