APC Primaries Fallout: Dozens of Lawmakers Lose Tickets

ABUJA — Dozens of serving All Progressives Congress lawmakers have lost their bids for re-election tickets in the party’s House of Representatives primaries. The results, announced on Monday by APC Electoral Panel Chairman Solomon Ogba, show a significant number of incumbents were defeated.

The primaries took place across Nigeria on Saturday, May 16. Results show that many long-serving members of the House of Representatives were beaten by fresh aspirants backed by powerful godfathers and state-level political structures.

Ogba, who chaired the electoral panel, said the process was largely credible. He acknowledged that disputes arose in some constituencies. However, he said the outcomes reflect the genuine will of party delegates in each location.

Several defeated lawmakers cried foul. Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliot alleged intimidation during the Surulere APC primary. He claimed his supporters were fired from their jobs and that his security was withdrawn ahead of the exercise.

Tensions Across States

In Plateau State, thugs disrupted voting in Jos South, raising concerns about internal party violence. In Rivers State, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo was disqualified from the senatorial primary before the exercise even began, adding to the tension.

Furthermore, APC stakeholders in Lagos rallied behind President Tinubu and endorsed Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for governor in 2027. The move signals early consolidation of support in Tinubu’s home state ahead of the elections.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also faced internal fire. He defended a controversial Senate rule amendment amid attacks from fellow APC senator Adams Oshiomhole, who called for his resignation. The public spat shows cracks within the ruling party’s top ranks.

What the Results Mean

Political analysts say the high turnover of APC incumbents reflects two things. First, many Nigerians are unhappy with their current representatives. Second, powerful state governors used the primaries to install loyalists who will support their political interests in the House.

Consequently, the new intake of APC candidates is likely to be more aligned with governors and less independent. Critics say this could weaken the legislature’s ability to check the executive in the years ahead.

INEC’s May 30 deadline for completing primaries still stands. Candidates who lose can file complaints with their party’s appeal committee. Those who exhaust internal appeal processes can take their cases to court. Legal challenges are expected to follow in several states.