The All Progressives Congress has disqualified no fewer than 47 senatorial aspirants from participating in its forthcoming primary elections, a development that has triggered fresh political tension and intense reactions across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections. Among the prominent figures barred from contesting are former Bayelsa East Senator Ben Murray-Bruce and Rivers politician Tein Jack-Rich, both of whom failed to scale through the party’s screening exercise.
The party announced the outcome of the screening process in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who explained that the exercise was conducted in line with the APC’s established procedures and internal guidelines. According to the statement, the screening committees reviewed the credentials and eligibility of aspirants seeking to contest for senatorial tickets under the party before arriving at their decisions.
Bayelsa State emerged as one of the states heavily affected by the disqualifications, with Ben Murray-Bruce and Senator Benson Agadaga reportedly barred from contesting for the Bayelsa East Senatorial District ticket, while Donald Daunemigita was disqualified from the Bayelsa West contest. The development has stirred political conversations within the state, especially considering the influence and public profile of some of the affected aspirants. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
In Rivers State, businessman and politician Tein Jack-Rich was among several aspirants disqualified from the Rivers West Senatorial District race. Other notable figures affected in the state include Chief Dr. Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Oyukaye Flag Amachree and Banigo Ipalibo, while Chief Barry Balera Mwara was barred from contesting in the Rivers South East Senatorial District. Rivers recorded one of the highest numbers of disqualified aspirants, reflecting the fierce political competition currently shaping the state’s APC structure.
Oyo State also featured prominently on the list, with several aspirants across the Central, North and South Senatorial Districts failing to secure clearance from the party. Among those affected are Kolapoboye Kola Daisi and Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega from Oyo North, further intensifying speculation about internal party disagreements and strategic alignments ahead of the primaries.
Zamfara State reportedly recorded the largest number of disqualifications, with seven aspirants blocked from contesting across the Central, North and West Senatorial Districts. Political observers believe the widespread disqualifications may reshape alliances and trigger legal or political battles within the party as aggrieved aspirants weigh their next steps.
The decision by the APC has already generated mixed reactions from supporters and political stakeholders, with some defending the party’s right to enforce its internal rules while others questioned the transparency of the screening process. Analysts believe the disqualifications could significantly alter the political landscape in affected states, especially in areas where some of the barred aspirants command strong grassroots influence and financial backing.
With the party primaries drawing closer, attention is now turning to whether the affected aspirants will challenge the decisions through appeals, legal action or possible political realignments. The latest development has once again highlighted the high-stakes battle for control of party tickets as political actors position themselves for what is expected to be another fiercely contested election cycle in Nigeria.
