APC
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.
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