Uncertainty continues to surround the outcome of recent party primaries across Nigeria as major political parties insist that final candidate lists must be approved and released by their national headquarters before they are considered valid.
Despite the conclusion of primaries for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly positions over the weekend, many successful aspirants remain unsure of their status. This is because most parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), maintain that only their National Working Committees (NWC) or equivalent bodies have the authority to ratify and announce official candidates.
In many states, winners of primaries are yet to receive certificates of return or party flags, as internal review processes and appeal committees continue to examine complaints arising from alleged irregularities. Several aspirants across states such as Nasarawa, Bauchi, Kwara, Oyo, Delta, and Kogi have reportedly raised objections over the conduct and outcome of the exercises.
In the APC, party leadership has reaffirmed that no state chapter is empowered to declare winners, stressing that all results must be transmitted to the national secretariat in Abuja for final verification and approval. The party says its National Working Committee is currently reviewing reports from appeal committees before releasing the official list of candidates expected to contest in the next general elections.
Similarly, the ADC says its National Executive Committee has approved most primary election results, except for cases still under appeal or awaiting completion. The party has assured that a final list of candidates, including governorship and senatorial nominees, will be released after ongoing internal reviews are concluded.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, says its own primaries remain under review by its National Executive Committee, which will officially announce candidates after a scheduled NEC meeting in Abuja. The party has urged the public to disregard unofficial results circulating on social media.
Political observers say the growing centralization of candidate approval reflects attempts by parties to manage internal disputes and reduce post-primary litigation ahead of general elections. However, it has also raised concerns among aspirants over transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Meanwhile, some aggrieved politicians have already defected from their parties following disputed primaries, while others continue to await final confirmation from party headquarters.
Party officials insist that once internal reviews are completed, official lists will be forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with electoral guidelines, paving the way for final preparations ahead of the general elections.
