The just-concluded presidential primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has generated both applause and suspicion across Nigeria’s political landscape. While supporters of the ruling party have praised the exercise as evidence of APC’s nationwide dominance and political structure, many Nigerians are raising serious concerns over the credibility of the figures released after the exercise.
Without a doubt, organising a nationwide primary of such scale reflects political strength, but democracy is not only about mobilisation, it is also about transparency and public trust.
What has shocked many observers is the claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured over 10.9 million votes during the APC primary. Critics argue that the figures simply do not align with political reality. In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu won slightly above eight million votes nationwide despite over 93 million registered voters in the country.
Nigerians are therefore struggling to understand how an internal party primary reportedly involving only delegates and party members could suddenly produce nearly 11 million votes for one candidate. To many citizens, the numbers appear exaggerated and difficult to defend logically.
This controversy is coming at a time when public confidence in governance is already declining due to worsening economic hardship, insecurity and rising frustration among citizens. Since assuming office in 2023, the Tinubu administration has repeatedly defended its economic reforms as painful but necessary. However, many Nigerians are yet to feel any meaningful relief. Inflation continues to rise, food prices have become unbearable, transport costs have skyrocketed and insecurity remains a major national concern. Unsurprisingly, many citizens now sarcastically interpret the government’s slogan, “Expect More,” as a threat rather than a message of hope.
Expectedly, the APC primary figures have further intensified fears ahead of the 2027 general election. Across social media and political discussions, many Nigerians believe the primary election may have exposed deeper concerns about electoral transparency in the country. Some critics openly mocked the voting pattern, suggesting that the counting process appeared more theatrical than credible. For citizens already losing faith in the political system, the exercise has reinforced fears that future elections may produce even more questionable outcomes.
At the centre of this growing skepticism is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Over the years, Nigerians have demanded greater accountability through the full implementation of technology-driven electoral systems such as BVAS and real-time electronic transmission of results. Unfortunately, controversies surrounding election figures and delayed result uploads have continued to weaken public trust. Electoral credibility must not only exist during general elections; it must also reflect within political parties themselves because democracy loses meaning when citizens no longer believe the numbers presented before them.
Still, supporters of President Tinubu insist he deserves more time. Political analyst Dr. Charles Omole recently argued that Nigerians may only witness the “real” Tinubu leadership style if he secures a second term in 2027, suggesting that political compromises tied to re-election often limit decisive governance. While that argument may appeal to loyal supporters, democracy cannot survive on blind loyalty alone. Nigerians deserve transparent leadership, credible elections and institutions they can trust.
As the country gradually moves toward another election cycle, INEC must understand that restoring public confidence is now a national responsibility. Electoral processes must become more transparent, accountable and verifiable to avoid deepening public distrust. At the same time, Nigerians must resist the temptation to remain silent or helpless. Democracy survives when citizens ask difficult questions and demand accountability from both politicians and institutions. Four more years of leadership is far too important for Nigerians to simply watch in silence and hope for miracles.