Abstract
Political party primaries constitute the process through which political parties select candidates who will represent them in general elections. In Nigeria, party primaries have become an indispensable component of democratic practice since the return to civil rule in 1999. The 2026 primary election of the All Progressives Congress in Taraba State was characterized by intense political competition and allegations of irregularities. Reports indicate that the party conducted governorship and legislative primaries amid internal disagreements and litigations. The primary objective of the study is to assess the impact of direct primaries on intra-party democracy in the APC in Taraba State. The study adopted Iron Law of Oligarchy as its theoretical framework. The study adopted the survey research design using both primary and secondary sources of data from oral interview and journals. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found out that only few party members participated in the direct primaries and the primaries was characterised by imposition of candidates with series of court cases. The study recommended providing a level playing ground for primary elections with adequate publicity for all party members to participate, the need for All Progressive Congress to always organise a free and fair primary election in future and need for reconciliation among the aggrieved contestants and party members.