APC Primaries Trigger Internal Revolt as 26 Nigerian Lawmakers Lose Return Tickets
The ruling All Progressives Congress is facing mounting internal tensions after its House of Representatives primaries ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections produced sweeping upsets, disqualifications and allegations of manipulated candidate selection across several states.
At least 26 serving lawmakers lost bids to secure return tickets, while several aspirants accused party leaders of imposing candidates through consensus arrangements and engineered affirmations, deepening divisions within the party ahead of the national polls.
The primaries, conducted across states including Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Benue, Imo, Ogun, Ekiti and Plateau, exposed growing power struggles among governors, influential political blocs and party stakeholders seeking control over legislative tickets.
Rivers Crisis Deepens APC Factional Battle
In Rivers State, the screening and disqualification process intensified the long-running rivalry between allies of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The APC disqualified several aspirants, including serving lawmakers Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Anderson Allison and Boma Goodhead. Former presidential aspirant Tein Jackrich and former Secretary to the State Government Tammy Danagogo were also excluded.
Party insiders alleged the process was used to weaken the Fubara camp ahead of the 2027 elections, while aspirants perceived to be aligned with Wike secured clearance.
Former Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, now representing Rivers West Senatorial District, emerged among those cleared to contest.
Major Upsets in Edo and Lagos
One of the biggest surprises came in Edo State, where House Leader Julius Ihonvbere lost the APC ticket for Owan Federal Constituency to former Commissioner for Mining Andrew Ijegbai.
Ihonvbere rejected the outcome and vowed to appeal, insisting the process lacked credibility.
Another Edo lawmaker, Esosa Iyawe, also lost his ticket amid allegations of voter intimidation and irregularities.
In Lagos, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa secured the Agege Federal Constituency ticket, displacing incumbent Hameed Adewale.
Kosofe constituency also witnessed controversy after incumbent Kafilat Ogbara reportedly lost to council chairman Moyosore Oshinowo, prompting protests from rival aspirants.
Ogun and Kwara Primaries Spark Litigation Threats
In Ogun State, several incumbents lost return tickets after consensus arrangements backed by Governor Dapo Abiodun reshaped the party’s ticket distribution.
Deputy Chief Whip Isiaka Ibrahim accused the governor of orchestrating an “affirmation process” instead of conducting genuine primaries.
Former Governor Gbenga Daniel also became entangled in the crisis after loyalists alleged state-backed intimidation and threats of violence.
In Kwara State, lawmaker Tijani Kayode questioned the legitimacy of the exercise after reportedly scoring zero votes in his constituency contest. He hinted at legal action, describing the process as flawed and politically manipulated.
Violence and Security Concerns
The APC primaries turned deadly in Plateau State after violence erupted during the Mangu Federal Constituency exercise.
A resident identified as Sani Abdullahi was reportedly killed after security operatives opened fire while attempting to disperse protesters angered by delays and confusion surrounding the voting process.
The incident underscored growing concerns over security and electoral management during internal party contests in Nigeria.
Benue: Alia Camp Defeats Akume Allies
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia emerged as a major winner after candidates aligned with him defeated several allies of Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
The outcome marked a significant political setback for Akume’s faction and reignited controversy over alleged automatic ticket arrangements for serving lawmakers.
Governor Alia publicly rejected claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu supported automatic tickets, insisting the APC national leadership endorsed competitive primaries.
Consensus Arrangements Dominate Northern States
Consensus arrangements and negotiated settlements shaped outcomes across Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Kogi states, sidelining several incumbents.
In Kogi, former governor Yahaya Bello was cleared for the Kogi Central Senatorial District race despite controversy surrounding his political future.
In Kano, party officials defended consensus arrangements as necessary to preserve unity within the APC ahead of the general elections.
Internal Democracy Under Scrutiny
The widespread backlash has renewed scrutiny over internal democracy within Nigeria’s ruling party, with several aspirants threatening litigation and accusing party leaders of manipulating delegate lists, imposing candidates and undermining grassroots participation.
Political analysts say the primaries reveal deepening factional rivalries that could weaken party cohesion before the 2027 elections, particularly in states where powerful governors and federal figures remain locked in influence battles.
Despite the controversies, some winners and party officials defended the exercises as peaceful and transparent, urging aggrieved members to respect party supremacy and maintain unity ahead of the national polls.
