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A political advocacy group, Nigeria Youths in Politics (NYP), has called on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to undertake a transparent review of the party’s primary election for the Aniocha South State Constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly.
The group expressed concern over the conduct and outcome of the exercise, describing the development as one capable of generating debate over internal democratic processes within political parties.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Chairman, Hon. Dr. Felix Tolorunju Idowu, the organisation appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman and the National Secretary to intervene in the matter and ensure that all grievances arising from the primary are addressed through established party mechanisms.
According to the group, concerns raised by party members and stakeholders regarding the exercise deserve careful examination in order to sustain confidence in the party’s democratic structures.
The statement referenced the participation of Hon. Igbiki Cyril Chiedozie in the primary election and maintained that supporters of the aspirant believe the process should be revisited by the party leadership.
The NYP said: “Compelling evidence and overwhelming testimonies from party stakeholders, delegates, and grassroots supporters unequivocally confirm that Hon. Igbiki Cyril Chiedozie overwhelmingly secured the genuine mandate of the Aniocha South Constituency delegates.”
The organisation further argued that confidence in party primaries remains essential to strengthening democratic culture and public trust in political institutions.
It noted that transparent internal electoral processes would encourage broader participation by young people and party supporters across the country.
The statement said, “The integrity of party primaries serves as the bedrock of a credible democracy.”
The youth group also warned that unresolved disputes arising from internal party contests could fuel perceptions of exclusion among younger political actors and discourage participation in the democratic process.
While acknowledging the influence of prominent political leaders in Delta State, the organisation stressed the need for political stakeholders to support processes that reflect fairness, justice and adherence to party rules.
The statement said: “We unequivocally call upon all party leaders and stakeholders in Delta State, including Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to rise above partisan pressures and unequivocally respect the democratic wishes of the Aniocha South electorate.”
The group maintained that political parties must continually strengthen mechanisms that guarantee transparency and equal opportunity for aspirants seeking elective positions.
According to the NYP, the APC leadership has an opportunity to reinforce confidence in its internal democratic procedures by ensuring that complaints linked to the primary election are independently reviewed.
The organisation also linked the issue to broader conversations around youth participation in governance, saying many young Nigerians closely observe how political parties manage internal contests and resolve disputes.
The statement added, “The very scaffolding of our nascent democracy is predicated upon the unwavering confidence citizens, particularly the youth, place in transparent and equitable electoral and political processes.”
NYP further urged the APC leadership to ensure due process in handling the matter and to act in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
It stressed that the credibility of political institutions depends largely on the confidence members and supporters place in internal decision-making processes.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic participation, youth inclusion, transparency and accountable leadership across all levels of governance.
The statement concluded with a call on political actors to uphold democratic values and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral and political system.
