APC Primary Turns Deadly As Soldier’s Bullet Allegedly Kills Man During Protest Over Delayed Exercise In Plateau

Jos, Plateau State– A man identified as Sani Abdullahi has been shot dead at the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives seat in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It was gathered that the incident reportedly occurred in Kasuwan Ali Community following confusion and tension that erupted over delays in the commencement of the party’s primary election exercise.

According to Daily Trust, eyewitnesses said the deceased was allegedly struck by a bullet fired by soldiers who were attempting to disperse protesting youths at the venue.

Residents said tension began mounting after party members and supporters became frustrated over the absence of electoral officials expected to conduct the exercise on Saturday.

An eyewitness and resident of the area, Ibrahim Sale, who confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, said the primary election was initially scheduled to hold on Saturday morning but failed to commence because returning officers did not arrive at the venue.

“The exercise was supposed to hold on Saturday morning, but it didn’t take place because of the absence of returning officers,” Sale said.

“So the youths started protesting, alleging that the delay was deliberate.”

He explained that the situation became more chaotic when some government officials who had arrived to observe the exercise reportedly attempted to leave after realising that the electoral officers were still absent.

“As this was going on, government officials who came to witness the exercise decided to leave because of the absence of the electoral officers,” he said.

“But some youths blocked the road to prevent the officials from leaving the venue.”

According to Sale, the protesting youths insisted that nobody would be allowed to leave until electoral officials arrived and the primary election was conducted.

“The youths insisted they would not leave until electoral officers arrived to conduct the primary,” he added.

The protest reportedly escalated after security operatives intervened to disperse the crowd.

“This drew the attention of security personnel, who moved in to disperse them,” Sale said.

“As soon as the security personnel arrived, the youths started throwing stones at them. The soldiers then started shooting, and a stray bullet hit the victim.”

Eyewitnesses said the shooting triggered panic and confusion across the community as residents and party supporters fled the scene for safety.

Angry residents were said to have condemned the killing, describing it as unnecessary and avoidable, while demanding justice for the deceased.

The incident has further heightened concerns over violence, insecurity and rising political tension surrounding party primaries and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities of the APC and security agencies had yet to issue an official statement regarding the killing of Abdullahi or the circumstances surrounding the shooting.