The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Nasarawa West has been thrown into controversy following allegations of widespread irregularities, exclusion of aspirants, and the absence of voting materials across several wards in the district.
One of the party’s senatorial aspirants, Pharm. Victor Terah Patrick, has rejected the outcome of the exercise and demanded its immediate cancellation, describing the process as a violation of democratic principles and party guidelines.
Addressing journalists at a press conference attended by party supporters and stakeholders, Patrick accused APC officials of conducting what he called a flawed and non-transparent primary that denied grassroots members the opportunity to vote.
“There were no ballots, no voting, and no democracy,” Patrick declared.
The pharmacist-turned-politician from Karu Local Government Area said he had duly fulfilled all constitutional and party requirements to contest the Senate seat, including screening and clearance by the APC, but was allegedly sidelined during the exercise.
According to him, the party leadership failed to engage aspirants in consultations or consensus-building discussions before proceeding with the primaries.
“Primaries are meant to be the last democratic option when consensus fails,” he said. “Every stakeholder ought to have been carried along in a transparent and inclusive process.”
The controversy deepened after reports emerged from several wards alleging that electoral officials and voting materials never arrived at designated polling centres during the direct primaries.
Patrick further claimed that his agents and supporters discovered that only the name of fellow aspirant Faisal Shuaib appeared on the list of cleared candidates at the venue, resulting in what he described as an “affirmation process” rather than a competitive election.
He argued that the development contravenes provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and APC guidelines, which require either a properly negotiated consensus arrangement or a transparent direct primary involving party members.
Political observers say the dispute could heighten internal tensions within the APC in Nasarawa State ahead of future elections, particularly in the politically strategic Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Patrick insisted that his protest was aimed at protecting internal democracy rather than undermining the party.
“The APC was founded on fairness, inclusion, and respect for the rule of law,” he said. “Those principles must not be sacrificed for political convenience.”
He called on the APC national and state leadership, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies to investigate the conduct of the primaries and annul the exercise conducted last Monday.
Despite the controversy, Patrick reaffirmed his commitment to peace, lawful engagement, and the progress of both the APC and Nigeria’s democracy.
As of press time, the APC leadership in Nasarawa State had not officially responded to the allegations.