A coalition of concerned stakeholders, youth leaders, ward coordinators, and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has issued a strong call to the National Chairman of the party and the National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately publish the official names of members of the Electoral Committees assigned to conduct the forthcoming governorship and State House of Assembly primaries in the state.
The group, operating under the banner Concerned APC Stakeholders for Electoral Transparency in Plateau State, made the call following consultations among party members in Jos, stressing the need for transparency, internal democracy, and the avoidance of disputes that have historically trailed party primaries.
According to the coalition, the publication of committee membership is critical to ensuring credibility, trust, and compliance with the APC Constitution and operational guidelines.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its coordinator, Yilji B. John, said the demand is not intended to undermine the party leadership but to strengthen due process and prevent avoidable post-primary conflicts.
“We are not opposing the party leadership. We are only demanding transparency and strict compliance with the APC Constitution. Plateau APC cannot afford another round of conflicting figures, parallel announcements, and post-election disputes.
The names of those assigned to conduct these primaries must be made public immediately,” he stated.
The group further issued the following detailed position:
“We call on the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately publish the official names of the Electoral Committee members dispatched to Plateau State for the upcoming governorship and State House of Assembly primary elections.
We cannot afford a repeat of the confusion, conflicting figures, and unauthorized parallel announcements that marred the recent House of Representatives primaries. To protect the integrity of our party in Plateau State and save us from avoidable post-election litigation, or division within the party, we demand strict compliance with the APC Constitution and the party’s operational guidelines”.
“Let it be known to all aspirants, party faithful, officials, and stakeholders that the law is clear on who has the authority to conduct these elections and declare results.”
“THE CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS FOR OUR DEMAND:
- For the Governorship Primary:
The Rule: Only the NWC-appointed Committee Chairman serves as the Chief Returning Officer. No state official or local executive has the authority to declare a winner.
The Law (Article 20.3, APC Constitution):
“The nomination of a candidate for the office of Governor shall be done at a State Congress… conducted by an Election Committee appointed by the National Working Committee.”
The Guidelines (Section on Collation and Declaration):
“The Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, in his capacity as the Chief Returning Officer, shall publicly collate the scores, announce the final results, and declare the winner…”
- For the State House of Assembly Primaries:
The Rule: Local government or ward executives do not have the constitutional authority to declare legislative primary winners.
The Law (Operational Guidelines, Clause 8):
“The Chairman of the Primary Election Committee or his designated constituency returning officer shall be the sole authority to collate the votes, record the results on the official result sheets, and announce the winner.” - Publication is Mandatory Before the Elections!
The Law (Article 13.4, Subsections xiv & xv):
The NWC is constitutionally mandated to appoint and supervise Primary Election Committees in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
The Guidelines (Clause 4):
“…Their names shall be made public through official party channels to ensure transparency.”
A STRONG CALL TO THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT!
Section 84 of the Electoral Act and established INEC procedures leave no room for administrative secrecy. Failing to publicly announce and formally inaugurate these committee chairmen before the primaries commence creates significant grounds for aggrieved aspirants to challenge the process in court.
Undisclosed deployments compromise the transparency and credibility of our democratic process.
The coalition also calls for the immediate conduct of the mandatory pre-primary stakeholders’ interactive session involving aspirants, security agencies, and INEC monitors, in accordance with party guidelines.
Reaffirming loyalty to the APC, the group insists that these steps are necessary to protect internal democracy, strengthen trust among members, and ensure credible outcomes in the forthcoming primaries.
Signed:
Yilji B. John
Coordinator
Abdulahi Adamu Shendam
Secretary
Concerned APC Stakeholders for Electoral Transparency in Plateau State
Jos, Plateau State
Protect Plateau APC. Guard our mandates. Publish the list now!
19th May, 2026
