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Governors Tighten Grip As APC Reps Lose Return Bids (Full List)

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Osun 2026: APC Inaugurates 292-Member Campaign Council, Declares Victory a Must

Governors Tighten Grip As APC Reps Lose Return Bids (Full List)

Several serving members of the House of Representatives have lost their bids to return to the National Assembly after failing to secure tickets during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries conducted across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The primaries, held in various states over the weekend, produced major political upsets as influential lawmakers were defeated by challengers backed by governors, party stakeholders, and zoning arrangements.

One of the most prominent casualties was the House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, who lost the APC ticket for Owan Federal Constituency in Edo State.

Ihonvbere, who sought a third term in the House of Representatives, was defeated by former Edo State Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai.

Political sources within the party linked his defeat to an existing zoning arrangement between Owan East and Owan West local government areas, which reportedly favoured a power shift.

The outcome has been described as one of the biggest surprises of the APC primaries, considering Ihonvbere’s influence within the House leadership and the ruling party structure.

Also in Edo State, Eseosa Iyawe, representing Oredo Federal Constituency, failed to secure the APC ticket after losing to former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu.

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Iyawe was originally elected into the House under the Labour Party before defecting to the APC during the ongoing wave of political realignments in the National Assembly.

His defeat is seen by political observers as a setback to his efforts to consolidate his political base within the ruling party.

In Imo State, four incumbent lawmakers were denied the opportunity to return to the House under the APC platform.

Those who lost out include Matthew Nwogu, representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency; Miriam Onuoha of Okigwe South Federal Constituency; Harrison Nwadike, representing Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele Federal Constituency; and Emeka Martins Chinedu of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency.

The Imo primaries reportedly witnessed intense lobbying and influence from major political blocs loyal to Governor Hope Uzodimma, with several party leaders backing new entrants over incumbent lawmakers.

In Kwara State, Ismail Kayode, who currently represents Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa Federal Constituency, also lost his return ticket.

Kayode was defeated by Rafiu Ajakaye, a former Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Party insiders said Ajakaye enjoyed strong support from the state political structure and key stakeholders within the APC.

A similar scenario played out in Kebbi State where Mansur Musa Jega lost the APC ticket for Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro Federal Constituency.

The lawmaker was edged out following a consensus arrangement that produced former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Jafar Ahmed Jega, as the party’s preferred candidate.

The use of consensus arrangements in several states has continued to generate controversy within the APC, with some aspirants accusing party leaders of imposing candidates.

Jigawa State also recorded significant casualties during the exercise as four serving lawmakers failed to clinch tickets.

The affected lawmakers include Muktar Muhammad of Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/Yankwashi Federal Constituency, Ibrahim Usman Auyo representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency, Sa’adu Wada Taura of Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency, and Yusif Sa’idu Miga, representing Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency.

Political analysts say the outcome of the primaries reflects growing internal power shifts within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, with governors and influential party figures tightening their grip on candidate selection processes.

In several states, aggrieved aspirants and their supporters reportedly protested the conduct of the primaries, alleging manipulation, imposition of candidates, and lack of transparency.

Despite the controversies, the APC leadership has insisted that the primaries were conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

The ruling party is expected to conclude appeals arising from the primaries in the coming days as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.


Additional Lawmakers Reportedly Affected In APC Primaries

  • Julius Ihonvbere — Owan Federal Constituency (Edo)
  • Eseosa Iyawe — Oredo Federal Constituency (Edo)
  • Matthew Nwogu — Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala (Imo)
  • Miriam Onuoha — Okigwe South (Imo)
  • Harrison Nwadike — Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele (Imo)
  • Emeka Martins Chinedu — Ahiazu/Ezinihitte (Imo)
  • Ismail Kayode — Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa (Kwara)
  • Mansur Musa Jega — Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro (Kebbi)
  • Muktar Muhammad — Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/Yankwashi (Jigawa)
  • Ibrahim Usman Auyo — Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa (Jigawa)
  • Sa’adu Wada Taura — Ringim/Taura (Jigawa)
  • Yusif Sa’idu Miga — Jahun/Miga (Jigawa)

Governors Tighten Grip As APC Reps Lose Return Bids (Full List)

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Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Osun Victory Affirms Nigeria’s Democratic Progress

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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Osun Victory Affirms Nigeria’s Democratic Progress

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15 governorship election, describing the outcome as a strong assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in Nigeria.

 

The President, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he personally called Adeleke earlier in the day to congratulate him on his re-election.

 

Tinubu said Adeleke’s victory had once again demonstrated the confidence the people of Osun State reposed in his leadership.

 

“I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him,” the President said.

 

He urged the governor, who has secured another term in office, to use his renewed mandate to unite the people of the state irrespective of their political affiliations or choices during the election.

 

According to Tinubu, the governor’s immediate responsibility is to bring the people together and mobilise them towards achieving greater development, stability and prosperity in the state.

 

“I wish him great success as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years. Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election,” he said.

 

The President also commended other candidates who contested the election, praising what he described as their courage and discipline throughout the electoral process.

 

He said their participation had contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture, adding that the outcome of the poll represented the decision of the electorate.

 

“I salute the courage and discipline displayed by other contestants in the election. Their participation deepened and enriched our country’s democratic culture,” Tinubu said.

 

He added that the result of the election reflected the will of the people of Osun State and provided further confidence in the survival and growth of democratic governance in the country.

 

“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” the President stated.

 

Tinubu further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its role in conducting the election, as well as the security agencies deployed for the exercise.

 

The President described the election as peaceful and transparent, noting that the process produced a clear winner.

 

His commendation comes after Osun voters went to the polls on Saturday to elect the governor who will lead the state for another four-year term.

 

Adeleke’s victory means the incumbent governor will continue in office for another term, giving his administration an opportunity to consolidate on its programmes and policies while addressing the developmental challenges confronting the state.

 

The President’s statement also appeared to emphasise the need for political reconciliation following the election, urging the governor to extend his leadership to all residents of Osun State, including those who voted against him.

 

Tinubu’s congratulatory message further underscored the importance of accepting electoral outcomes and ensuring that political competition does not undermine governance, unity and development after elections.

 

The statement was signed by Onanuga on August 16, 2026.

 

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Osun Victory Affirms Nigeria’s Democratic Progress

 

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Ataoja Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Governorship Election Victory

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Osun election: Àtàọ́ja should stop running joro-jara-joro
Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Abidemi Larooye II

Ataoja Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Governorship Election Victory

 

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Abidemi Larooye II, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

 

The monarch described Adeleke’s victory as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state, while commending the electorate for exercising their democratic rights peacefully.

 

In a statement issued by the Media Unit of the Ataoja’s Palace, Oba Larooye also urged all candidates, political parties and their supporters to accept the outcome of the election in the spirit of democracy.

 

The monarch advised anyone dissatisfied with the result to seek redress through lawful and constitutional channels, stressing the need to preserve peace and stability in the state.

 

The Ataoja expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for respecting the democratic process and acknowledging the outcome of the election.

 

According to him, allowing the will of the people to prevail remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and promoting peace and stability.

 

Oba Larooye further acknowledged the cordial relationship between the people of Osogbo and the Adeleke family, urging the governor to reciprocate the goodwill by sustaining his commitment to the development of Osogbo and Osun State.

 

He called on Adeleke to prioritise developmental projects, improved infrastructure, economic opportunities and programmes capable of improving the living standards of residents across the state.

 

The monarch also urged the governor, following the conclusion of the election, to extend a hand of fellowship to citizens across political divides and govern with maturity, fairness, inclusiveness and compassion.

 

He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant Adeleke wisdom, good health, strength and divine guidance to utilise his renewed mandate for the peace, unity, prosperity and sustainable development of Osun State.

 

“Congratulations, Your Excellency, Asiwaju Dr. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, on your renewed mandate. May your second term bring greater development and prosperity to the good people of Osun State,” the monarch said.

 

The statement was signed by the Media Unit of the Palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo Land.

 

Ataoja Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Governorship Election Victory

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Breaking: Adeleke Crushes APC’s Oyebamiji, Wins Second Term in Osun

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Osun election: Adeleke widens lead as Oyinlola, Omisore lose polling units

Breaking: Adeleke Crushes APC’s Oyebamiji, Wins Second Term in Osun

OSOGBO — Governor Ademola Adeleke has secured a second term in office after defeating his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji, in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

Adeleke, who contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes to emerge victorious, defeating Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, finished a distant third with 17,180 votes.

The result, announced in the early hours of Sunday by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, at the collation centre in Osogbo, gave Adeleke another four years at the helm of affairs in the state.

The incumbent secured the highest number of votes in 19 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won in the remaining 11 LGAs, in a closely watched contest that effectively became a two-horse race between the Accord candidate and his APC challenger.

Adeleke recorded victories in Ede North, Ede South, Ejigbo, Iwo, Egbedore, Ife North, Ife East, Ife Central, Oriade, Ifelodun, Orolu, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Odo Otin, Boluwaduro, Ilesa West, Ifedayo, Osogbo and one other local government area.

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Oyebamiji, on the other hand, secured victories in Irewole, Isokan, Olorunda, Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun and Obokun, with the remaining two LGAs reflected in the final collation accounting for his 11-LGA tally.

Announcing the final figures, Ogunwole said 1,005,800 votes were cast in the election. Adeleke’s 511,067 votes represented the largest share, followed by Oyebamiji’s 444,815 votes, while the remaining candidates shared the balance.

After the agents of the participating political parties signed the results, the Returning Officer formally declared Adeleke the winner.

“That Ademola Nurudeen-Jackson Adeleke, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner of the August 15 Governorship election and returned elected,” Ogunwole declared.

The victory marks another major political milestone for Adeleke, who took office in November 2022 after defeating the then-incumbent APC governor, Gboyega Oyetola. His re-election means he will remain governor of Osun until 2030.

The 2026 election also produced a significant political shift, with Adeleke winning the governorship under the Accord Party, the first time the party has captured the Osun governorship since its creation in 2006.

With the final declaration, attention now turns to Adeleke’s second-term agenda and whether the governor can consolidate his electoral victory by translating the mandate into broader economic development, infrastructure delivery and improved welfare for the people of Osun.

 

Breaking: Adeleke Crushes APC’s Oyebamiji, Wins Second Term in Osun

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