Some Aspirants Planting Litigation Trap Ahead, APC Taraba Chieftain Warns

 A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Jimkuta Emmanuel, has raised an urgent alarm over what he describes as a "litigation trap" facing the party ahead of its primary elections, warning that a flawed consensus process could jeopardize the party's chances in the general election.

In a passionate open letter to Governor Agbu Kefas, who is the leader of the APC in Taraba State, Emmanuel cautioned that some aspirants are not genuinely interested in winning but are strategically positioning themselves to instigate litigation against the party by exploiting any loophole in the primary election process.

"If we breach the process stipulated in the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act regarding consensus, we will fall into the litigation trap. Such a misstep could have consequences for every candidate of the party in the general election," Emmanuel warned.

The chieftain, who leads the APC New Generation Movement in the state, noted that while consensus remains a valid option under the law, it is subject to strict conditions that the party leadership must not ignore.

Citing the Electoral Act as amended in 2026, Emmanuel explained that Section 84(2) now provides that the procedure for nomination shall be by direct primaries or consensus, as indirect primaries have been removed. However, he stressed that for consensus to be valid under Section 84(9), the party must secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants, indicating their voluntary withdrawal from the race and their endorsement of the consensus candidate.

He further noted that Section 84(10) mandates that if written consent is not obtained, the party must revert to direct primaries, adding that consensus cannot be imposed.

"Consensus applies only when no other aspirant has purchased nomination forms for that position. If more than one aspirant buys forms, consensus cannot be declared," Emmanuel warned, emphasizing that all cleared aspirants must be consulted and must agree voluntarily.

The APC chieftain outlined several risks associated with breaching the guidelines, including litigation, invalid nomination by the courts, and internal crisis leading to defections. He recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recorded over 1,000 pre-election cases before the 2023 elections due to flawed primaries.

While commending Governor Kefas for his efforts in working with the report of the Consensus Committee and acknowledging the positive outcomes recorded so far, Emmanuel urged the Governor to look inward and pay close attention to details.

"Not everyone for whom you are making sacrifices will stand with you to the end," he cautioned.

Emmanuel recommended that where consensus has not been reached, aspirants should be allowed to test their political strength through direct primaries. He also advised that funds be made available to compensate those who purchased forms and are willing to step down voluntarily, while those who insist on contesting should be allowed to participate in direct primaries.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has already warned state chapters not to deny aspirants who bought forms the right to contest, stating that imposing candidates under the guise of consensus violates both party and electoral law. The NWC has further indicated that it will adopt direct primaries where consensus fails.

Concluding his appeal, Emmanuel urged Governor Kefas to take full responsibility and face the challenge strategically, emphasizing that due process remains the only path to victory.

"At this critical point, Your Excellency, as a matter of urgency, you must take full responsibility and face this challenge with the only option of winning," he said.