Confusion at Ebonyi APC primaries as officer skips delegate count from 85 to 201 (Video)

A video emerging from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Ebonyi State has sparked widespread online reactions after an electoral officer appeared to skip numbers during delegate counting, moving abruptly from “85” to “201” in the course of the exercise.

The footage, recorded during the voting process as delegates lined up to cast their ballots, showed a visibly tense atmosphere as party members and observers reacted with surprise to the unexpected jump in the count.

The development occurred during the primaries of the All Progressives Congress, which is currently conducting internal elections across states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Moment Captured on Video Sparks Reactions

In the viral clip, the electoral officer is seen announcing figures during the collation process when the count appears to shift suddenly, prompting murmurs and visible confusion among delegates present at the venue.

While the video has circulated widely on social media, there has been no immediate official clarification from the party or electoral officials in Ebonyi State regarding the incident.

Calls for Electoral Transparency Resurface

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The incident has reignited public debate over the need for stronger transparency mechanisms in Nigeria’s electoral and party primary processes, particularly the adoption of electronic result transmission systems.

Observers and civic advocates referenced ongoing calls for mandatory real-time transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which is intended to improve accountability and reduce the risks associated with manual collation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission introduced the IReV platform as part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing transparency in elections, though its effectiveness continues to be a subject of national debate.

Growing Scrutiny of Party Primaries

Party primaries in Nigeria have often faced scrutiny over allegations of irregularities, with stakeholders arguing that internal democratic processes require stronger monitoring and technological safeguards.

The Ebonyi incident adds to ongoing concerns ahead of the 2027 election cycle, as political parties intensify preparations to select candidates for various elective positions.

As of press time, neither the APC leadership in Ebonyi State nor election officials had issued a formal statement addressing the viral video.