Strong indications emerged on Saturday that the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress may have settled for primaries to elect its candidates for the 2026 elections, effectively shutting down growing expectations that the party would adopt a consensus arrangement for the exercise.
The signal emerged from a press statement issued by the party ahead of the primaries for the 27 State Constituencies, 10 House of Representatives seats, and three Senatorial Districts, where the APC repeatedly stressed that party members would determine its flag bearers through voting.
The statement, signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, PhD, declared that “all card carrying members of our Party, are automatically, kingmakers, as every Party member shall vote in the upcoming primaries.”
INNONEWS observed that the language of the statement strongly points to the adoption of direct primaries, a system that allows all registered members of the party to participate directly in the nomination of candidates, instead of consensus arrangements driven by party leaders.
The position also appears to align with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 (Amended), which permits political parties to nominate candidates either through “direct primaries, indirect primaries or consensus,” provided the process complies with democratic procedures recognised by law.
Multiple aspirants and stakeholders in the party had in recent weeks openly canvassed for direct primaries, arguing that consensus could breed discontent, exclusion, and allegations of imposition by influential political figures.
In the statement, the APC directed all aspirants seeking elective positions to “get into the field” and commence consultations with party members, particularly at ward level, further reinforcing indications that votes by ordinary members would determine party flagbearers.
“We urge Party leaders and officials at various levels not to stop aspirants from interfacing with and marketing themselves to Party members,” the statement said.
The party also urged members to actively engage aspirants before the primaries. “We urge them to listen to EVERY aspirant of our Party, ask them questions, as this will enable them to make informed choices and cast their votes right in the primaries,” the statement added.
The APC further assured aspirants of “fairness, equity and transparency,” while calling for patriotism and sportsmanship ahead of the primaries, as the battle for tickets within the ruling party intensifies across Imo State.
