What was supposed to be a democratic exercise inside the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency turned into a scene of outrage, suspicion, and open rebellion as angry party members rejected what many described as a “scripted affirmation drama” disguised as a primary election.
Tension erupted at Ward 10, Iyana Offa, during the APC Federal House of Representatives primary election after party officials allegedly abandoned the standard voting process and introduced a controversial “Yes or No” affirmation method that immediately triggered resistance from members on ground.
The atmosphere became charged as frustrated party faithful openly confronted officials, insisting they did not leave their homes to participate in what they described as a “rubber-stamp coronation.” Protesters repeatedly shouted, “We came to vote, not for affirmation,” while demanding transparency and accountability from party leaders supervising the exercise.
For many observers at the venue, the biggest concern was not just the affirmation process itself, but the complete absence of officially announced vote figures. Aggrieved members questioned how a democratic contest could produce no verifiable numerical results while still expecting members to accept the outcome without scrutiny.
Several party members accused APC leaders in the constituency of turning internal democracy into political theatre where outcomes are allegedly predetermined before delegates and supporters even arrive at the venue.
“What exactly are they hiding?” one visibly angry supporter reportedly asked during the heated exchanges. “If this is truly democracy, why are they afraid of open counting and official figures?”
The incident exposed deep cracks within the party structure in the constituency as accusations of manipulation, favoritism, and imposition dominated conversations around the primary ground.
Some members openly alleged that the process was carefully designed to favour a particular aspirant, while others questioned the legitimacy of some individuals allowed into the exercise. To many protesters, the entire process appeared less like a competitive primary election and more like an endorsement ceremony packaged to give the appearance of legitimacy.
Critics within the party warned that such controversial methods could damage APC’s credibility ahead of future general elections, especially at a time Nigerians are already questioning the sincerity of political parties when it comes to internal democracy.
Observers at the venue noted that security personnel had to maintain order as tensions rose and arguments intensified between angry members and party officials determined to continue the process despite the protests.
What happened in Ward 10 did not appear to be an isolated incident. Similar complaints reportedly surfaced across other wards within the Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency, where party members also raised concerns over the use of the “Yes or No” affirmation method instead of a transparent ballot-based voting process.
The controversy has now sparked wider political debate within Oyo APC circles, with many asking whether party primaries are gradually becoming mere formalities where the voices of ordinary members no longer matter.
Political analysts warn that when party members begin to lose confidence in internal electoral processes, it creates dangerous resentment capable of triggering rebellion, defections, voter apathy, and internal sabotage during the main elections.
For many angry APC members at the Ward 10 exercise, the issue goes beyond one aspirant or one constituency. They insist the real battle is about whether democracy within political parties still exists or whether powerful interests have completely replaced the will of the people.
As reactions continue to pour in, pressure is mounting on APC leadership and electoral authorities to urgently address the growing concerns surrounding the conduct of party primaries before public trust collapses completely.
Because if party members can no longer vote freely within their own party, many Nigerians are now asking the uncomfortable question:
What exactly is left of democracy?
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