APC Primaries: Powerful 50 Reps among losers
APC Primaries Yield Significant Losses for House Members Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, at least 50 current members of the 10th House of Representatives are poised to exit as a result of recent primary elections. As of yesterday, 48 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were confirmed to have lost their bids across the country during primaries held over the weekend.
Two legislators from Bayelsa State did not compete, opting instead to pursue higher political offices. The overall number of losses could increase, as full results from the APC primaries have yet to be released, and other opposition parties—such as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)—have not yet conducted their primaries.
Among the notable winners, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (Kano) and his Deputy Benjamin Kalu (Abia) successfully secured return tickets. Conversely, significant names among those who faced defeat include Nicholas Mutu (Bomadi/Patani, Delta State), who has been in the House since 1999, and Mike Etaba (Obubra/Etung, Cross River), who lost his bid for a fourth term.
Professor Julius Ihonvbere, the Majority Leader, is also among the legislators who will not return, having lost the APC ticket for Owan Federal Constituency in Edo State. In that primary, Ihonvbere received 1,005 votes, placing third behind Andrew Ijegbia, who garnered 3,695 votes. Other results in the contest included Abdul Oroh (1,740 votes), Barrister Scot (642 votes), and Honourable Folly (505 votes).
Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, who represents the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, also failed to secure a third term, with Dr. John Tongshinen winning with 29,968 votes to Gagdi’s fewer than 6,000.
In Borno State, successful incumbents include Usman Zannah (Gubio/Kaga/Magumeri) and Betara Aliyu (Biu/Shani/Kwaya Kusar/Bayo), among others. Newly elected candidates in the state include Hajja Fati Kakenna (Kukawa/Abadam/Mobbar/Guzamala) and Dr. Kaumi Umara Zulum (Mafa/Konduga/Dikwa).
Surprises and Disappointments Across Regions
The primaries in South-South states produced unexpected outcomes, with several incumbent lawmakers failing to secure return tickets. In Bayelsa, two incumbents retained their party tickets, while Bernard Kenebai emerged victorious in Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency following the exit of incumbent Fred Agbedi to the PDP.
In Cross River State, five out of eight current Representatives were unsuccessful in their re-election efforts. Notably, Mike Etaba, Alex Egbona, Godwin Offiono, Emil Inyang, and Bassey Akiba all lost their bids. Conversely, Peter Akpanke, Joseph Bassey, and Victor Abang secured return tickets.
In Akwa Ibom, preliminary reports suggest that only Okpolupum Etteh, representing Eket/Esit Eket/Ibeno, lost his ticket. In Rivers State, notable losses include John Azubuike Opara, Anderson Allison Igbiki, and Boma Goodhead.
The situation was similarly bleak in Ekiti State, where three incumbents were defeated. Oladapo Karounwi won the Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II with 6,573 votes, defeating the incumbent who received 2,096 votes.
Calls for Fair Process
Concerns over electoral integrity were raised by two APC aspirants in Ekiti State, Teju Okuyiga and Victor Kolade, who claimed that the primaries were flawed and demanded their cancellation. Okuyiga specifically highlighted irregularities, alleging that voting did not occur in multiple wards. Kolade echoed these sentiments, labeling the process as “disappointing.”
In Ogun State, five of the nine serving lawmakers also failed to secure tickets for the upcoming elections. Among them were Deputy Chief Whip Ibrahim Isiaka and Ishaq Akinlade.
In Ondo State, results from the House of Representatives primaries were delayed due to internal committee disputes. Seven candidates were disqualified, raising concerns about influence from party leadership.
In Lagos, aspirant Ademola Amure condemned the Epe Federal Constituency primary as “shambolic” and called for the results to be nullified due to reported violence and irregularities.
As the primary season progresses, the APC continues to assess its strategies and candidate selections in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
