A fresh storm has erupted in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as presidential hopeful Alhaji Bayero Lawal has been invited by the Nigeria Police Force for questioning over his legal battle challenging the party’s handling of its presidential primary process.
Lawal, a founding member of the ruling party and Gombe-born politician, was reportedly summoned by the Force Intelligence Department (FID) after he dragged the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Although the police letter stated that the invitation was linked to an ongoing investigation in which his name “featured prominently”, sources said the move may be connected to his decision to challenge the party’s presidential primary arrangements.
The development has triggered political tension within the APC, with allegations that the aspirant’s legal action was viewed by some party members as an embarrassment to the organisation.
In the invitation letter dated July 29, 2026, and issued by the Counter Intelligence Unit of the Force Intelligence Department, the police said Lawal was required to appear for clarification over an undisclosed matter.
The letter, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Olajide Agboola on behalf of the DIG in charge of FID, referenced Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stressing that the invitation was part of an investigation.
“The Counter Intelligence Unit of this Department is investigating a case wherein your name featured prominently, thus precipitating the need to seek clarifications from you,” the letter stated.
Court Battle Over APC Presidential Ticket
Lawal had in May approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, accusing the APC of denying him access to the expression of interest and nomination forms required to contest the party’s presidential primary election.
The aspirant, through his lawyer, Basil S. Kpenkpen, argued that the party’s decision violated his rights as a registered and financially compliant member of the APC.
He also challenged the N100 million cost attached to the presidential forms, arguing that the requirement was not provided for under the party’s constitution.
The APC had fixed the cost of presidential expression of interest and nomination forms at N100 million, comprising N30 million for the expression of interest form and N70 million for the nomination form.
In his suit, Lawal sought several declarations from the court, including an order recognising his right to participate in the party’s presidential contest.
He argued that the APC constitution guarantees every eligible member the right to contest and be voted for in any elective position, including the presidency.
Tinubu’s Special Treatment Sparks Fresh Debate
The legal action came shortly after the APC National Working Committee cleared the way for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s participation in the party’s 2027 presidential primary by waiving the normal screening requirement.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the decision was reached during the APC NWC’s 188th meeting, where Tinubu was declared duly screened in line with the party’s constitution and internal procedures.
The move, which APC said was based on Tinubu’s status as the incumbent president and previous screening history, triggered questions among some party members over internal democracy and equal opportunity for other aspirants.
Lawal’s suit was filed as the party’s presidential contest process was already generating intense political manoeuvring, with Tinubu’s supporters rallying behind his expected second-term bid.
The APC has not publicly accused Lawal of any wrongdoing, while the police invitation letter did not disclose the specific allegations being investigated.
Lawal is expected to appear before the police to provide clarification as demanded by the FID.
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