Nigeria's APC Defends Candidate Substitutions After Primaries

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria has defended the replacement of several candidates following its primary elections, saying the changes resulted from a legitimate internal appeal process. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said more than 720 petitions from aggrieved aspirants were reviewed by appeal committees, with recommendations forwarded to the party’s National Working Committee, which then approved the substitutions.

The party’s Director of Publicity, Malam Bala Ibrahim, confirmed that about 2,500 aspirants were screened and that certificates of candidacy have been issued to the newly selected candidates, whose names have been forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A reconciliation committee has been set up to meet with affected aspirants, emphasizing that candidate changes are not unusual and urging them to remain supportive of the party.

Both officials rejected allegations that the APC imported outsiders or acted arbitrarily, asserting that the substitution process is an integral part of the primary system and that dissatisfied members will be offered future opportunities within the party.