The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded legislative bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states of the federation.
Delegate congresses to elect ward delegates were held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, while the party’s primary elections took place on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
The elections were held to fill vacant seats in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly in the following states: Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, and Zamfara.
But, the process was punctuated by a series of complaints, petitions, and withdrawals by aspirants.
In Adamawa State, Yusuf Atiku, an aspirant for the Ganye State Constituency, withdrew from the race, citing irregularities in the delegate congress. He alleged that the process was neither free nor fair, and that several party members were unjustly prevented from participating.
In Edo State, an aspirant for the Edo Central Senatorial seat described the primaries as “mere vote allocation,” claiming that his supporters were disenfranchised. Similarly, another aspirant for the Ovia Northeast/Ovia Southwest Federal Constituency also withdrew in protest.
Besides, in Ogun State, allegations surfaced that only one nomination and expression of interest form was made available—exclusively to a particular aspirant—for the Ikene/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.
In Kaduna State, a parallel congress was reportedly conducted by supporters of a particular aspirant for a State House of Assembly seat, raising concerns about internal party division and procedural inconsistencies.
In Anambra State, Dr. Obinna Uzoh, an aspirant for the Anambra South Senatorial District, submitted a petition, dated 19th July, calling on the party to declare him the rightful winner. He argued that he was the only aspirant who fully complied with all the requirements set by the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Nigerian Constitution.
Dr. Uzoh further claimed that only his supporters and delegates were valid, up-to-date financial members of the party.
He expressed serious concerns over an alleged conflict of interest in the composition of the screening, delegate congress, and primary election committees—all chaired and secretaried by Chief Henry Ikoh and Ms. Adaobi Obioha, respectively.
According to him, both individuals are close allies of his opponent, Mr. Azuka Okwuosa. He described it as unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history for the same persons to simultaneously serve as chairman and secretary of all three committees—and be related to one of the aspirants.
He also implored the party to investigate the authenticity of Mr. Okwuosa’s primary school certificate and other documents.
The entire aspirants expressed worries that the Appeal Committees are yet to submit their reports.
They hope the reports will be credible and be able to assuage the yearnings of the delegates and the electorates.
