Nigeria's ruling party held House of Representatives primaries over the weekend. But multiple irregularities marred the contests across all 360 federal constituencies.
The APC delayed the elections from Friday to Saturday. Party officials cited disputes over consensus arrangements as the reason.
Many aspirants walked away dissatisfied with how things unfolded. Some withdrew entirely while others rejected the results outright.
In several states, voters didn't even know where voting would take place. Different candidates claimed victory in the same constituencies with conflicting tallies.
Violence erupted in some polling areas during the exercise. Celebrations broke out prematurely in certain locations before results were announced.
Where party members agreed on candidates through consensus, many losers cried foul. They complained the process lacked transparency and fairness.
Political analysts warn worse is coming down the road. Senate and governorship primaries will likely see fiercer battles, they say.
In Katsina, Ahmed Sale Junior claims state authorities silenced him. He alleged the DSS detained him for four hours before voting began.
Sale said he languished in custody while the primary happened elsewhere. By the time they released him, results were already in.
According to his account, another aspirant won with 20,000 votes. He received just 1,000 votes while sitting in detention.
Jamila Abdu Mani emerged as the winner for Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency. Sale insists the outcome was rigged against him.
Katsina State Government denied orchestrating the arrest. Malam Maiwada Danmalam serves as the state's Director General of Media.
He told reporters that governors lack constitutional power over the DSS. According to him, accusing Governor Dikko Radda made no legal sense.
Danmalam noted that security agencies operate independently from state control. The governor's office can't order their operations, he insisted.
Plateau State experienced similar chaos during its Reps primary on Saturday. Two different winners emerged from the same Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency race.
One person died during the turbulent voting process in Plateau. Details of the death remain unclear at this time.
Party officials have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the violence. Confusion persists about which results will stand as official.
The Senate primary contest kicks off today across the country. Party insiders worry the same problems will resurface at higher levels.
Sources within the APC acknowledge the party's credibility took a hit. Many members are questioning whether leadership can restore order.
Stakeholders say swift action is needed before next month's contests begin. Without intervention, the primary chaos could damage the party's chances in 2025.
