The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries held across Nigeria on Monday delivered a mix of stunning upsets, consensus victories, and high-profile casualties as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections.
Several former governors and political heavyweights crashed out or withdrew, while serving governors, incumbents, and strategic allies secured tickets through landslides, affirmations, and carefully managed arrangements.
Biggest Losers
Former Governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun State)
In a major blow to two of Ogun State’s most prominent political figures, ex-Governors Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun Central) stayed away from the primaries.
Daniel cited safety concerns and a desire to avoid violence, with his media aide stating, “We don’t believe our ambition is worth the blood of anyone.” Amosun was reportedly sidelined in a consensus deal that favoured Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who won by a landslide in Ogun Central.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who cruised to victory in Ogun East with 810 out of 812 votes, described the process as peaceful.
Rochas Okorocha
Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha suffered a humiliating defeat in Imo West, polling just 1,098 votes against Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commanding 230,464 votes.
Ovie Omo-Agege and Ned Nwoko (Delta State) In Delta Central, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege was crushed by incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone (116,252 to 3,643 votes), despite later claiming victory in a separate statement.
In Delta North, incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko lost decisively to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who scored 113,039 votes.
Widespread Disqualifications
The APC screening committee disqualified 44 aspirants, triggering protests and accusations of manipulation.
High-profile casualties included Senator Ipalibo Banigo-Harry (Rivers West), who decried the move as “an injustice to women and experienced legislators,” former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce (initially disqualified), and several others from Rivers, Oyo, Kwara, and other states.
The party later adjusted the list without clear explanations, adding to the confusion.
Additional flashpoints included confusion in Edo South, where rival factions claimed victory, and tension in Ebonyi Central, where Senator Kenneth Eze’s declaration led to an alleged attack on journalists by his supporters.
Biggest Winners
Yahaya Bello
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello made a strong political comeback, winning the Kogi Central ticket with a landslide 72,399 votes against his closest rivals.
Hope Uzodimma
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma delivered a crushing victory in Imo West, consolidating his influence.
Dapo Abiodun
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun secured the Ogun East ticket overwhelmingly and projected an image of party unity despite the absences of Daniel and Amosun.
Godswill Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio emerged unopposed in Akwa Ibom North West in a celebratory affirmation exercise, receiving strong endorsement from party members.
Key Incumbents and Consensus Winners
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and other Ekiti senators retained their tickets.
All three Lagos senators (Tokunbo Abiru, Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, and Idiat Adebule) were returned via consensus. Ebonyi’s three incumbent senators were affirmed.
Barau Jibrin (Kano North), Adams Oshiomhole, Ali Ndume (Borno), and Ahmad Lawan (Yobe) also secured smooth passages through affirmation or strong showings.
Former Governor Adamu Aliero won via consensus in Kebbi.
In Oyo State, the primaries were largely peaceful, while Kwara Central saw last-minute drama between Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Senator Saliu Mustapha before the process unfolded
