The delay in issuing Certificates of Return to winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections has sparked widespread concern among victorious aspirants, who fear a possible manipulation of the party’s candidate list ahead of the 2027 general elections. Despite the conclusion of primaries across various states between May 15 and 23, 2026, many declared winners remain without official documentation, raising alarms about democratic processes within the party. The issue has intensified after some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) reportedly stated that the party leadership retains the final authority to determine candidates, regardless of primary results.
Aspirants from different states and elective positions have accused the APC leadership of sowing uncertainty and undermining party unity. Speaking anonymously to DAILY POST, several winners expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, noting that their participation in the primaries was in good faith and that results were officially declared by duly constituted primary election committees. One candidate emphasized that the absence of certificates, coupled with statements from NWC members, creates a dangerous precedent that threatens the integrity of internal party democracy.
The situation has been further complicated by the swift issuance of President Bola Tinubu’s Certificate of Return shortly after he secured the party’s presidential ticket with 10.9 million votes. Aspirants have pointed out this discrepancy, questioning why the President received his certificate immediately while others are still waiting. “The President has already received his Certificate of Return, so why are others being delayed? The party should not create the impression that some candidates are more valid than others,” one of them stated.
Sources within the party leadership told DAILY POST that the NWC is still reviewing reports from the primaries and will make final decisions in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines. However, this explanation has done little to ease tensions among candidates who fear administrative overreach. Some have alleged that the delay is part of a broader strategy to replace candidates not favored by powerful figures within the party hierarchy.
Stakeholders across the APC have also issued a strong warning against any attempt to nullify primary results. In a memorandum signed by Barrister Abdullazeez Mamman, they argued that primary election committees acted under delegated authority from the NWC and that the will of party members expressed through consensus and direct elections cannot be overturned by administrative fiat. They stressed that “the ballot is not a proposal” and must be respected as a democratic expression.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the APC faces mounting pressure to resolve the issue transparently and uphold the credibility of its internal processes. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for party cohesion and public confidence in Nigeria’s political institutions.
Leave a Comment