APGA Adopts Open Ballot System for 2027 Primaries, Soludo Says Politics Is Not Business

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has unveiled plans to deploy the Option A4 voting system for its primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, in a sweeping reform aimed at tackling rigging, vote-buying, and what party leaders describe as “mercenary politics.”

Speaking at the South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting in Awka, Governor Chukwuma Soludo said the shift to an open ballot system would promote transparency and restore credibility to the party’s internal processes.

“This will not be business as usual,” Soludo declared, warning members to brace for stricter rules. “I know some of you may not be happy because you see politics and party membership as business. But what we are doing is to cut wastefulness and ensure the health and credibility of our party.”

Under Option A4, party members physically align behind their preferred aspirants, making support visible and harder to manipulate. Soludo argued that the system would discourage deceptive practices common with secret ballots.

“It is not the one where you pay people and they claim to support you, only to vote otherwise. We want to curb that,” he said.

The governor also cautioned against divided political ambitions, insisting aspirants must focus on a single office. “If you want to run for governor, make up your mind. We will not tolerate people holding one office while eyeing another,” he added.

As part of the new guidelines, Soludo banned aspirants from visiting state executive members at their homes, a move aimed at curbing inducement. All campaign-related engagements, he said, must now take place at designated party offices.

Reinforcing the reform push, APGA National Chairman Sly Ezeokenwa announced a broader modernisation plan aligned with Nigeria’s Electoral Act. Measures include digital registration, direct primaries, and scrapping bundled nomination forms.

“The party has officially adopted Option A4 to ensure maximum visibility and fairness,” Ezeokenwa said. “Aspirants must first obtain an Expression of Interest form and pass screening before purchasing the nomination form.”

He also directed that party officials who wish to support any aspirant must resign their positions to ensure neutrality.

State Chairman Ifeatu Obiokoye described the meeting as “unprecedented,” praising stakeholders for their unity, while South-East National Vice Chairman Augustine Ehiemere called APGA the “beautiful bride” of Nigerian politics and a symbol of South-East identity.

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