APC primaries: Declared winners kick over delay in issuance of Certificates of Return

Winners of the recently concluded primary elections of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, have raised alarm over the delay in the issuance of Certificates of Return to successful candidates.

They are alleging that the development may be part of a calculated move by the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, to alter the list of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Checks revealed that aggrieved aspirants from different states and elective positions accused the party leadership of creating uncertainty within the ranks of the APC, despite the conclusion of the primaries and declaration of winners by various primary election committees since May 15 and 23, 2026.

Some of the aspirants, who spoke with DAILY POST under the condition of anonymity over fears of being victimized by the party, said the prolonged delay had heightened suspicion among party members.

This comes amid recent remarks allegedly credited to some members of the NWC that the party leadership retained the final authority to determine who eventually emerges as the party’s candidate.

According to them, remarks by some NWC members of the party further fuelled tension among candidates who fear that the outcome of the primaries could be overturned through administrative decisions at the party’s national secretariat.

One of the declared winners said, “We participated in the primaries in good faith; results were announced by the duly constituted primary committees, and winners emerged. But weeks after the exercise, many of us are yet to receive our Certificates of Return.

“What is more troubling is the statement by some NWC members that the party leadership reserves the right to determine who becomes a candidate irrespective of who was declared winner by the chairman of the primary election committee. That statement is dangerous and undemocratic.”

Another aspirant alleged that there were ongoing moves to replace certain candidates who were not favored by influential figures within the party hierarchy.

The aspirants also pointed out that while many candidates were yet to receive their certificates, President Bola Tinubu had already been presented with his Certificate of Return by the party following his victory at the APC presidential primary.

They argued that the prompt issuance of the President’s certificate contrasted sharply with the treatment being meted out to other victorious aspirants across the country.

“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.