Nigeria's APC primaries see withdrawals over alleged violations and intimidation
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Gombe State, citing breaches of the Electoral Act 2026 and the party’s failure to provide essential information for a credible contest. Pantami’s statement, issued by the Pantamiyya Movement, alleges that letters to party officials requesting details on accreditation, voting procedures and collation centres were ignored, and that grassroots members were sidelined during the National Assembly primaries held on 16‑18 May 2026.
In Lagos, three‑term state assembly member and former Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot also withdrew from the APC primary for the Surulere I constituency, claiming his supporters faced intimidation and that security personnel were removed from him. Elliot later clarified that he was only withdrawing his agents and announced an appeal against the primary result, condemning alleged pressure from party leaders and local officials.
Both incidents highlight internal disputes within the ruling APC over the conduct of direct primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.