‘Taraba APC To Prioritise Women, PWDs In Nomination Process’

The publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Hon. Aaron Aritmas, has said the party will give special consideration to women and persons with disabilities in the sale of nomination forms for the 2027 general elections.

Aritmas, in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo, said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is expected to determine a cost framework that will be inclusive and affordable, particularly for vulnerable groups, in line with the APC’s gender-sensitive and social inclusion policies.

According to him, the move is aimed at broadening participation in the political process and ensuring that no segment of society is excluded from contesting elective positions.

He, however, clarified that the party is yet to release its official timetable for primaries or announce the cost of nomination forms, and urged aspirants and the public to disregard figures circulating on social media.

“We have not received any official communication from the National Secretariat regarding the timetable or the cost of forms. What is being circulated is not correct,” he said.

Hon. Aritmas explained that the APC has already concluded its ward, state and national congresses and is awaiting the next phase of the electoral process as outlined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In response to allegations by opposition parties that the ruling party is attempting to influence the electoral process, he dismissed the claims as unfounded, attributing them to internal disorganisation and crises within the opposition.

“These allegations are not new, and most of the challenges being faced by opposition parties are self-inflicted, including leadership disputes and multiple court cases. INEC is only implementing the law and court decisions,” he said.

He maintained that the electoral umpire remains independent and bound by constitutional provisions to do the right thing, adding that accusations of bias ahead of the elections are premature.

The APC spokesman also downplayed concerns about internal disputes within the party following its congresses, describing them as isolated cases that do not affect the party’s overall unity.

He said that due process, including the screening of aspirants and the endorsement of consensus arrangements by stakeholders, was strictly followed in the emergence of party executives.

“There is only one APC structure, and it is duly recognised. The process was transparent and in line with the party’s constitution,” he stated.

Hon. Aritmas, then called on party members and political stakeholders to embrace peace and patience as the election season approaches.

He expressed confidence in the APC’s preparedness, stressing that the party remains focused on mobilising support and strengthening its base ahead of the polls.