The ruling All Progressives Congress has been thrown into fresh political turbulence after no fewer than 70 members of the National Assembly reportedly lost their return tickets during the party’s primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. The dramatic outcome has triggered protests, internal disputes, allegations of manipulation, and growing cracks within the party across several states.
Among the biggest casualties of the primaries were several serving senators and House of Representatives members who failed to secure the party’s nomination despite being incumbents. Prominent politicians affected include Senator Ned Nwoko, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Emmanuel Udende, Senator Sahabi Ya’u, and Senator Saliu Mustapha, all of whom reportedly stumbled during the intense contests.
The primaries, which were conducted across multiple states, exposed deep divisions within the APC as governors, political godfathers, and influential blocs battled for control of party structures and candidate selections. In many states, aggrieved aspirants and supporters accused party leaders of imposing preferred candidates through consensus arrangements and manipulated delegate processes. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
In Delta State, Senator Ned Nwoko reportedly lost the APC senatorial ticket to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in what many observers described as one of the biggest political upsets of the exercise. In Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, was defeated by Dr. Erico Ameh, while Senator Neda Imasuen also lost his bid in Edo South Senatorial District.
The House of Representatives primaries also produced major surprises. Several serving lawmakers from Benue, Plateau, Imo, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kwara, Edo, Kebbi, and Delta states lost their tickets to challengers believed to have the backing of governors or dominant party factions in their respective states.
The political tension generated by the exercise has already sparked legal threats and open rebellion within the party. Some defeated aspirants rejected the results outright, insisting the contests were marred by irregularities, intimidation, and deliberate exclusion of genuine party members. Former Delta Deputy Governor Ovie Omo-Agege, ex-Edo governorship aspirant Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and several others reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primaries.
In Ondo State, the crisis reportedly escalated dramatically after violence and gunshots disrupted parts of the exercise. Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire was said to have narrowly escaped danger during the chaos that accompanied the primaries in some areas of the state.
Political observers believe the APC primaries have revealed growing internal struggles ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as new alliances emerge and powerful blocs battle for dominance within the ruling party. Analysts also warn that the wave of dissatisfaction from displaced lawmakers and aspirants could trigger defections, court battles, and deeper divisions capable of affecting the party’s electoral strength in the coming months.
