**APC Primary Process Under Scrutiny, Says Legal Expert Frank Tietie**
LAGOS, May 11 — In a recent interview with Arise Television, senior lawyer Frank Tietie expressed concerns regarding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its increasing delegation of control over primary elections to state governors. With over two decades of legal experience, Tietie warned that this shift could further entrench the current president’s influence and raise significant questions about the protection of aspirants’ rights.
Tietie’s comments come as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections, a period marked by intense competition for candidacies across the nation. He noted that the party’s decision to empower governors might serve to “ensconce his own position,” specifically referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tietie characterized this move as a political strategy that ultimately rests in the hands of the president.
A major concern raised by Tietie pertains to the treatment of candidates who voluntarily withdraw from the race in favor of a consensus nominee. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of individuals who choose to withdraw, stating, “The protection of the individual’s right, who has indeed submitted a voluntary withdrawal, is paramount.” Tietie insisted that any aspirant who submits a withdrawal form should be fully informed about the subsequent process, including the criteria for selecting the consensus candidate.
He cautioned that a lack of transparency in this process could lead dissatisfied candidates to seek judicial intervention. “If the processes of achieving the consensus were actually breached, the individual can approach the courts,” he explained. Tietie further asserted that the party must clarify the selection method—whether it involves a ballot, a simple show of hands, or even a random draw—at the time the withdrawal form is submitted.
Tietie’s remarks underscore a growing concern within party structures regarding the balance of power between national leadership and state governors. Although the APC has not publicly addressed Tietie’s statements, insiders indicate that the party is reviewing its internal mechanisms to prevent potential legal challenges ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
Should aspirants decide to pursue legal action, the judiciary may be called upon to interpret the APC’s internal regulations and assess whether the withdrawal and consensus processes align with the party’s constitution. Such litigation could establish precedents for how political parties manage candidate selection within Nigeria’s multiparty system.
The interview contributes to the ongoing discussion about internal democracy within Nigeria’s dominant political parties, a topic that has garnered attention from civil society groups and election monitors. Observers emphasize that transparent primary processes are crucial for maintaining public confidence in the electoral landscape, particularly as the nation approaches a critical election year.
Tietie’s observations serve as a reminder that the mechanics of candidate selection remain a contentious issue, with potential legal and political ramifications that could influence the APC’s prospects in 2027. The party’s forthcoming actions in addressing these concerns will likely impact both its internal unity and its overall electoral appeal.
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