By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The United Advocacy Group (UAG) has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adhere to constitutional and legal procedures in resolving disputes arising from its National Assembly primaries in Ondo State.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Samuel Ajayi, the group called on the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold the rule of law, due process and fair hearing in addressing issues related to the primaries.

The group also expressed concern over reports of a letter allegedly directing the substitution of candidates whose names had been uploaded to the INEC portal, saying the matter should be handled in accordance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

According to Ajayi, the APC Constitution requires that disputes arising from party primaries be determined in line with the principles of fair hearing and natural justice.

He said appeals against primary election results should involve all relevant parties, including the petitioner, the declared winner and members of the primary election committee, with official records such as result sheets and delegate registers made available during the process.

Ajayi also noted that reports by INEC officials and security agencies that monitored the primaries could serve as important independent materials in the review process.

The group urged INEC to continue discharging its responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“Our position is that INEC should uphold the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the rule of law. Public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process depends on the consistent application of these principles,” the statement said.

The UAG also called on the APC National Working Committee to ensure that all affected aspirants are given an opportunity to be heard before any decisions are taken on disputes arising from the primaries.

It added that adherence to due process and transparency remains essential to strengthening internal party democracy and public confidence in the electoral process.