Confusion and frustration on Thursday marred the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections across Yobe State after electoral officials and designated committee members failed to arrive at several polling centres scheduled for the exercise.
Key Highlights:
- Confusion hit the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Yobe State as officials failed to arrive at multiple voting centres.
- Delegates and party members who gathered early were left waiting for hours without voting materials or election personnel.
- The delays caused frustration and raised concerns about the credibility and transparency of the exercise.
- Stakeholders warned the situation could disenfranchise members and called for urgent intervention by party leadership.
- Despite tensions, party members were urged to remain calm while awaiting further directives.
Party members, delegates, and accredited voters had gathered early at various wards and local government areas in anticipation of the primaries. However, hours after the expected commencement time, voting materials and officials were yet to arrive at many of the designated centres.
The delay triggered tension and disappointment among party faithful, many of whom described the situation as embarrassing and capable of undermining the credibility of the exercise.
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Reports from different parts of the state indicated that no meaningful electoral activity had commenced in most wards due to the absence of officials assigned to supervise the process.
Some supporters who waited for several hours expressed concern that the situation could disenfranchise genuine party members and disrupt the internal democratic process of the party.
In a statement issued on Thursday, concerned stakeholders and party members called on the national leadership of the APC and relevant electoral committees to urgently intervene to ensure a transparent and credible conduct of the primaries.
They also warned against any form of manipulation, imposition, or backdoor arrangements that could compromise the integrity of the exercise.
“We call on the leadership of our great party to immediately deploy the necessary officials and materials to all designated centres and allow party members to freely choose their preferred candidates without intimidation, delay, or interference,” the statement read.
The stakeholders further stressed that the credibility of the party ahead of future elections depends largely on the fairness and transparency of the ongoing primaries.
Despite the tension, they urged supporters across the state to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while awaiting further directives from party authorities.
