APC Senate Primaries: Yahaya Bello, Uzodimma, Abiodun Win as Daniel, Amosun, Rochas Lose Out
The All Progressives Congress recorded major political shifts during its senatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC senate primaries 2027 produced victories for several influential politicians, while some former governors and serving political figures failed to secure tickets in their respective districts.
Yahaya Bello Secures Kogi Central Ticket
Former Yahaya Bello emerged winner of the APC senatorial primary for Kogi Central after defeating Ibrahim Yakubu Adoje and Momoh Obaro.
Bello polled 72,399 votes in what party officials described as a decisive victory.
In Kano North, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also secured the APC ticket through affirmation by delegates and party leaders.
Uzodimma Defeats Rochas in Imo
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma defeated former governor Rochas Okorocha in the Imo West senatorial primary.
According to the returning officer, Uzodimma scored 230,464 votes, while Okorocha polled 1,098 votes.
The APC senate primaries 2027 also saw former Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero emerge winner of the Kaduna North contest.
Ogun Primaries Marked by Withdrawals
Former Ogun State governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun stayed away from the primaries in Ogun East and Ogun Central.
Governor Dapo Abiodun described the process as peaceful and transparent.
In Ogun Central, Senator Shuaib Salisu defeated Senator Gbenga Obadara by a wide margin, while Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele emerged candidate for Ogun West through a consensus arrangement.
Akpabio, Oshiomhole, Ndume Emerge Unopposed
Several APC leaders emerged through consensus during the APC senate primaries 2027.
These include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Ali Ndume and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Party officials said the consensus arrangements were adopted in several states to reduce internal disputes ahead of the elections.
Delta Primaries Produce Major Upsets
In Delta North, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa defeated Senator Ned Nwoko during the APC primary election.
Official results showed Okowa polling 113,039 votes against Nwoko’s 2,612 votes.
In Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone defeated former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege with 116,252 votes.
However, Omo-Agege rejected the outcome and declared himself winner based on results collated by his supporters.
APC Disqualifies 44 Aspirants
Ahead of the APC senate primaries 2027, the party disqualified 44 aspirants during its screening process.
The list released by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka triggered protests and allegations of manipulation in several states.
Some prominent politicians affected by the disqualification included former senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Senator Ipalibo Banigo-Harry and businessman Tein Jack-Rich.
The APC later released an updated list reducing the number of disqualified aspirants from 47 to 44.
Consensus Arrangements Dominate Several States
In Lagos State, the APC returned Senators Tokunbo Abiru, Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni and Idiat Adebule through consensus.
Borno State also adopted consensus arrangements for Senators Ali Ndume, Mohammed Monguno and Kaka Shehu Lawan.
In Yobe State, party stakeholders endorsed Governor Mai Mala Buni, Senator Ibrahim Bomai and former Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan as consensus candidates.
Disputes Trail Some Primaries
The APC senate primaries 2027 were also affected by disputes and conflicting claims in some states.
In Edo South, rival camps declared different winners, while Senator Neda Imasuen rejected the process and described it as manipulated.
Rivers West Senatorial District also witnessed controversy after Senator Ipalibo Banigo-Harry protested her disqualification from the primaries.
She appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and party leaders to reconsider her case.