Kaduna APC Dismisses Reports of Anointed Senatorial Candidates and Vows to Conduct Fair Primaries

Kaduna APC Chairman Atiku Sankey dismisses rumors of anointed senatorial candidates, promising fair primaries and adherence to the Electoral Act.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 11:20 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Nigerian

Dismissal of Targeted Misinformation Campaigns

The Kaduna State branch of the All Progressives Congress has officially addressed circulating rumors regarding the pre selection of candidates for upcoming elective positions. State Chairman Atiku Sankey characterized these reports as baseless and unfounded, suggesting they are the work of unscrupulous elements seeking to destabilize the party’s internal unity. The leadership maintains that the narrative of "anointed" candidates is entirely false, and such claims are being strategically spread to mislead the public and create friction between aspirants and party officials.

Adherence to the Electoral Act and Constitution

In a bid to reassure members, the party emphasized its strict adherence to democratic principles as outlined in the Nigerian constitution and Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act. This legal framework dictates that candidates must emerge through transparent processes, specifically direct primaries or a verified consensus among all interested aspirants. By citing these specific legal provisions, the leadership aims to demonstrate that its operational procedures are governed by law rather than the personal preferences of high ranking officials.

Clarifying the Role of Consensus in Unity

While the party encourages consensus arrangements to promote internal harmony, it clarified that these efforts should never be confused with the imposition of a candidate. The statement explained that a consensus is a collaborative agreement between all running aspirants to support a single individual for the benefit of party cohesion. The leadership stressed that this is a voluntary process and does not equate to the leadership or the executive office picking winners behind closed doors before a vote has occurred.