APC Senate primaries: Okowa, Abiodun, Uzodimma win; Ned Nwoko, Goje, others lose
APC Sen. Primaries Yield High-Profile Winners and Disqualifications
LAGOS — The All Progressives Congress (APC) held its senatorial primaries across Nigeria, resulting in notable victories and disqualifications amid controversies, including allegations of manipulation and protests.
A total of 44 senatorial aspirants were barred from participating in the primaries. Among those disqualified were Tein Jack-Rich, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, and former Rivers Head of Service, Tammy Danagogo. However, the party reinstated former Bayelsa East Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, after he was initially listed among disqualified candidates.
According to a statement from APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, Rivers State experienced one of the highest disqualification rates, while Zamfara State reported the largest number of barred candidates.
Key figures from the 10th Senate, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau, secured return tickets through either consensus or victories. Notable winners included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma in Imo West and former Senate President Ahmad Lawan in Yobe.
In Kogi Central, former Governor Yahaya Bello achieved a significant victory with 72,399 votes, while in Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah rejected the outcome, claiming election materials were improperly handled by supporters of Governor Ahmed Ododo.
In Delta State, Senator Ede Dafinone triumphed over former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege in Delta Central, while former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa defeated incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko in Delta North.
Other states also saw prominent incumbents retain their positions. Barau Jibrin in Kano North and Ali Ndume in Borno South both emerged unopposed. In Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu secured a significant victory, polling 65,651 votes against challenger Philip Nto.
However, controversy marked some primaries. In Edo South, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama was declared the winner, yet parallel results emerged indicating a victory for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, creating confusion over the exercise’s legitimacy.
In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun secured a win in Ogun East after his main rival, Senator Gbenga Daniel, withdrew amid security concerns. In Kwara Central, a fierce contest unfolded between Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and incumbent Senator Saliu Mustapha, with reports of significant voter turnout favoring the governor.
Consensus arrangements were adopted in several states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger, where incumbents were reaffirmed as the party’s candidates.
Despite the challenges, APC leadership described the primaries as largely successful and reflective of the party’s internal solidarity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
