2027 Polls: Disunity, Voter Apathy Loom in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I Over Alleged Irregularities During APC Primaries By Dally Iyamu
2027 Polls: Disunity, Voter Apathy Loom in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I Over Alleged Irregularities During APC Primaries
By Dally Iyamu
Concerns are mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency I following allegations of irregularities, intimidation and imposition during the party’s recently concluded primary elections, developments political observers fear could affect the party’s fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Several aspirants and their supporters have described the exercise as lacking credibility, alleging that the process fell short of the standards expected of a transparent and democratic primary election.
According to reports from some wards in the constituency, there was alleged absence of proper accreditation procedures and inadequate monitoring of the exercise. Some party members also claimed that the atmosphere during the primaries was characterised by tension and intimidation, discouraging many residents and supporters from participating freely.
Sources alleged that certain council officials and political loyalists disrupted the exercise in some polling areas, creating what they described as an atmosphere of fear and confusion.
“There was no level playing field for all aspirants,” a source familiar with the process alleged. “Many party members who came out to participate became discouraged due to intimidation and alleged manipulation of the process.”
Some aspirants’ agents also alleged that they were prevented from carrying out their duties effectively during the exercise. They further claimed that banners and posters of aspirants were not allowed at designated venues, contrary to the provisions contained in the APC regulations for the 2026 primary elections.
The aggrieved aspirants and their supporters referenced aspects of the party’s guidelines which, according to them, stipulated that the primary election was to be conducted through the direct primary system using the Option A4 format, where accredited members queue behind the aspirant of their choice.
The guidelines also reportedly provided that all cleared aspirants should display banners at designated venues with their agents present, while accreditation was to be done using APC membership cards.
They further argued that the process was expected to be orderly, transparent and properly documented, with results recorded on official sheets and signed by agents of aspirants.
However, some of the dissatisfied aspirants alleged that these procedures were not followed during the exercise, prompting several agents to reportedly refuse to sign documents associated with the outcome of the primaries.
Political stakeholders in the constituency have warned that unresolved grievances arising from the primaries could deepen internal divisions within the party and weaken its support base ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers note that prolonged internal disputes, if not addressed promptly, could lead to voter apathy, loss of confidence among party loyalists and possible defections by aggrieved members.
Calls have therefore gone out to relevant stakeholders, party leaders, civil society groups and democratic institutions to investigate the allegations and ensure that grievances are addressed through the party’s internal mechanisms.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that some aspirants dissatisfied with the conduct of the exercise may have already submitted petitions to the party’s appeal committee seeking redress.
Analysts say the manner in which the APC leadership handles the complaints could play a significant role in determining party unity and electoral strength in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I ahead of the next general elections.
