By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Okorocha, Omo-Agege, Ned Nwoko Lose Big as Governors and APC Heavyweights Win Senate Tickets
The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries across Nigeria produced a wave of surprises, with major political figures winning tickets while some big names suffered unexpected defeats ahead of the 2027 elections.
Top winners included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and governors Hope Uzodinma, Inuwa Yahaya, Dapo Abiodun, and AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, all securing their party’s senatorial tickets.
However, the biggest shock came from the defeat of several political heavyweights. Former Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, and Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko all lost their bids in closely watched contests.
In Imo West, Governor Hope Uzodinma defeated Okorocha with a wide margin. In Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone defeated Omo-Agege convincingly, while in Delta North, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa defeated Ned Nwoko.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio secured victory in Akwa Ibom North-West, while Barau Jibrin was affirmed as APC candidate for Kano North in a large party gathering.
In Kaduna State, former governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero won the APC ticket for Kaduna North, while Senators Shehu Sani and Sunday Marshall Katung emerged winners in Kaduna Central and South.
Former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole returned unopposed in Edo North, while former Abia governor Orji Uzor Kalu also secured a strong victory in Abia North.
The primaries were not without tension, as reports of delays, disagreements over voting methods, and internal disputes surfaced in several states.
In Kwara State, political confusion also trailed the senatorial race involving Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq and Senator Saliu Mustapha.
Meanwhile, the APC screened out about 43 aspirants over alleged irregularities and document issues, including former presidential aspirant Tein Jack-Rich and former Rivers deputy governor Ipalibo Banigo, both of whom have protested their disqualification.
The results have now set the stage for intense political battles as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
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