Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has officially disowned a circulating document that purported to announce a timetable for local government primaries, describing the notice as unauthorised, misleading, and the handiwork of mischief makers intent on sowing confusion within the party. In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the party’s leadership warned members and the general public to disregard the document, which it said did not emanate from any recognised organ of the APC at either the state or national level. The repudiation comes at a time when political activities are intensifying across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, and when local government elections in Enugu State are expected to serve as a crucial barometer for the APC’s grassroots strength in a state currently governed by the Peoples Democratic Party.
The fake notice, which had circulated on social media and some WhatsApp groups, allegedly outlined a schedule for the conduct of primaries to select APC candidates for chairmanship and councillorship positions across Enugu’s 17 local government areas. It included dates for the sale of forms, screening of aspirants, and the actual primaries. However, the party’s response was swift and categorical. “The attention of the All Progressives Congress, Enugu State Chapter, has been drawn to a fake notice circulating on social media platforms purportedly announcing local government primaries. The party hereby dissociates itself from the said notice,” read the statement signed by the state publicity secretary, whose name was not immediately available. “The document is unauthorised and does not have the backing of the National Working Committee or the state executive committee.”
The party accused unnamed individuals of attempting to create confusion and destabilise the party’s internal processes. It warned that such actions could undermine efforts to build cohesion ahead of critical electoral contests. “We have not approved any timetable for local government primaries. Any notice to that effect is fake and should be ignored,” the statement added. The APC further urged its members to rely only on information released through official channels, including the state secretariat and the national headquarters in Abuja. It reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and transparency, promising that any future timetable for primaries would be communicated in strict adherence to the party’s constitution and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The incident highlights the persistent challenge of misinformation within Nigeria’s political space, especially as parties gear up for the 2027 cycle. Enugu State has been a PDP stronghold for decades, but the APC has made inroads in recent years, particularly after the defection of some key political figures. The party currently has a presence in the state assembly and has continued to build structures at the grassroots level. A fake primary notice, if left unchecked, could have led to parallel processes, legal battles, and a fragmentation of the party’s support base. By acting quickly, the state leadership has sought to preempt such chaos.
Reactions from party members have been mixed. Some praised the leadership’s vigilance, while others expressed concern that the fake notice could be part of a deliberate plot by opponents to infiltrate the APC and disrupt its internal democracy. “There are enemies within who want to destroy us. We must be careful,” said a chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity. The PDP, which controls the Enugu State Government, has not commented on the development. However, political analysts note that the ruling party in the state has little to gain from such a stunt, as its focus is on consolidating its own structure ahead of the local government polls.
The fake notice controversy also underscores the vulnerability of Nigeria’s political parties to digital manipulation. With the rise of social media, unauthorised documents can spread rapidly, often outpacing official rebuttals. The APC’s decision to issue a public disclaimer is a necessary step, but it also raises questions about the party’s internal communication protocols. Some observers have called for the establishment of rapid‑response teams within party secretariats to verify and counter fake news before it gains traction.
For the APC in Enugu State, the immediate priority is damage control. The party has urged its members to remain calm and to await official directives. It has also hinted that security agencies may be brought in to investigate the source of the fake notice. “We are reviewing the matter and will take appropriate action against those responsible for this act of sabotage,” a party insider told Stone Reporters News. Meanwhile, aspirants who may have been misled by the fake notice are advised to refrain from making any financial commitments or embarking on campaigns based on the unauthorised timetable.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for political parties across Nigeria. As the 2027 elections approach, the battle for information and perception is already underway. Fake notices, forged documents, and manipulated media have become weapons in the arsenal of political opponents. Parties that fail to protect their internal communications risk being thrown into disarray. For the APC in Enugu, this episode may prove to be a wake‑up call. The fake notice has been disowned, but the question of who planted it and why remains unanswered. Until that is resolved, party members will continue to look over their shoulders, wondering if the next circular they receive will be real or another attempt to deceive.
The Enugu APC has reiterated its commitment to conducting all primaries in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. It has promised to give adequate notice and to follow due process. In the meantime, members are advised to verify any information through the state party secretariat or the official social media handles of the APC Enugu State chapter. The fight against fake news is as important as the fight for votes, and the party appears determined to win both.
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