APGA Challenges New Nigeria Primary-Election Rules, Citing Risks To Smaller Parties' Survival As Viewed By APGA National Chairman

 

Written By Nduka Anyanwu 

In a spirited defense of Nigeria’s evolving electoral landscape, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has publicly pushed back against the recently enacted changes to primary-election procedures, warning that the new mandates threaten the very fabric of internal party democracy—particularly for smaller political groups like APGA.

During a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today Tuesday night, APGA National Chairman Sylvester Ezeokenwa voiced concerns over the recent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act (2026), which now stipulate that political parties must conduct either direct primaries or reach consensus candidacies, effectively phasing out the previous indirect primary system. 

The Challenge of Logistics and Resource Constraints 

Ezeokenwa emphasized that the logistics involved in organizing nationwide direct primaries across approximately 8,000 wards are insurmountable for a party like APGA, which lacks the extensive federal-level resources that larger parties enjoy. “Mandating direct primaries across every ward is simply not feasible for smaller parties,” he argued. “It’s a logistical nightmare that could effectively silence us and other smaller groups.” 

He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, INEC successfully managed nationwide voting, demonstrating that large-scale elections are 

possible under challenging circumstances. However, he warned that requiring every party to conduct direct votes for their candidates repeatedly—without adequate support—would undermine internal democracy by favoring well-funded, resource-rich parties and marginalizing smaller ones. 

A Broader Debate on Electoral Reforms 

Ezeokenwa’s critique resonates with the ongoing debate surrounding the new electoral rules. Supporters of the reforms argue that direct primaries help curb undue influence from powerful governor “godfathers” and reduce delegate-buying practices—malpractices that have tainted Nigerian politics for decades.

 Conversely, opponents warn that the cost and organizational complexity of direct primaries skew the playing field, favoring the big parties that can mobilize resources and bypass internal party processes through negotiated consensus deals. 

APGA’s Call for Flexibility and Inclusivity 

Rather than merely defending the old delegate system, APGA advocates for a flexible approach—one that allows parties to choose among direct, indirect, or consensus primaries based on their capacity and local circumstances. The party highlights its proactive measures, including a digital membership drive launched in June 2024, which it says preempted the new Act’s database requirements. 

“Our position is simple,” Ezeokenwa explained. “Let parties decide the most practical and fair method of selecting candidates. Forcing everyone into the same mold risks excluding smaller parties from the democratic process, reducing political competition and narrowing choices for voters.” 

Testing the New Rules in Local Primaries 

As APGA undertakes its local government primaries in Anambra and other states—test runs for their adherence to the new rules—Ezeokenwa’s warning gains urgency. He cautions that logistical challenges are not just administrative hurdles but constraints that influence who gets to contest and, ultimately, who voters will have the chance to elect. 

“Logistics are not an excuse—they’re a constraint,” he said. “And constraints shape political participation and representation. We must ensure that electoral reforms are inclusive, not exclusive.” 

Looking Ahead 

The coming months will reveal how political parties adapt to the 2026 Electoral Act’s new mandates. For smaller groups like APGA, their ability to navigate logistical hurdles while maintaining internal democracy may significantly influence Nigeria’s democratic trajectory. 

As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the debate over electoral reforms is far from over, and smaller parties are determined to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the nation’s democratic future.