By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna A coalition of aggrieved All Progressives Congress aspirants in Kaduna State has rejected the out...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
A coalition of aggrieved All Progressives Congress aspirants in Kaduna State has rejected the outcome of the party’s recent House of Representatives primary elections, describing the process as a “sham” and calling for its immediate cancellation.
In a protest letter dated May 17, 2026, and addressed to the APC National Chairman in Abuja, the group under the banner APC Coalition of Kaduna Senatorial/House of Reps Frontline Aspirants (CKFA) alleged widespread violations of the party’s constitution and nomination guidelines during the exercises held on May 16.
The aspirants accused party leadership in Kaduna of imposing consensus candidates without obtaining the mandatory written consent of all cleared aspirants, failing to conduct proper primary elections, and disregarding established voting procedures after screening was completed.
“The conduct of these primaries fell far short of the standards we expect and deserve. The primary election was, in essence, a complete sham,” the statement read.
Key grievances listed include the alleged disfranchisement of party members, claims that committees overseeing the process cited directives from the Kaduna State Governor, and what they described as silence from the state APC executive while the process unfolded.
The coalition said the crisis was most pronounced in Kaduna Central Senatorial District, where a consensus committee led by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe allegedly sought to impose former Senator Shehu Sani as the sole candidate. Frontline aspirants Yusuf Zailani, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, reportedly rejected the move and demanded transparent primaries.
Similar complaints of imposition and lack of democratic choice were raised for Kaduna North and Kaduna South senatorial zones.
Citing Article 20 of the APC Constitution, the group argued that consensus is only valid with written agreement from all aspirants. “Because multiple aspirants did not agree or sign, this consensus is illegal,” they stated, warning that the violation threatens party unity and could trigger legal challenges that risk disqualifying candidates in the general election.
The coalition rejected the entire exercise and gave the party’s national leadership 48 hours to act. Their demands include nullifying the flawed consensus declarations and the House of Representatives primaries conducted on May 16, scheduling direct primary elections for the three senatorial zones and all House of Representatives seats in Kaduna State, and ensuring a transparent process for all cleared aspirants.
Signatories to the protest include Hon. Yusuf Bala Ikara, Mohammed Mu’azu Makaddas. Hon. Yusuf Zailani, Senator Danjuma Laah, Michael Ayuba Auta, and seven other aspirants representing various federal constituencies and senatorial districts in the state.
The aspirants said the outcome of the process, if allowed to stand, could negatively affect the APC’s performance in the 2026 general elections, including the presidential race.
They urged the national leadership to intervene promptly “to protect the integrity of our great party.”
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