APC Senate Primaries: Governors, Ex-Governors Battle for Tickets as Party Releases Aspirants List
Several serving governors nearing the end of their tenure, alongside former governors and political heavyweights, are among the major contenders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries taking place across the country.
The party has released the list of screened and cleared aspirants as well as those disqualified from participating in the primaries. According to the APC guidelines, indirect primaries will be adopted where consensus candidates are not reached.
While some senatorial districts are already producing unopposed candidates, others are expected to witness intense contests involving high-profile politicians.
Among the serving governors in the race are Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who is seeking the APC ticket for Imo West Senatorial District, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa North, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa North, and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun East.
Top party figures such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom Northwest), Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North), and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) appear to have smooth paths, as they reportedly face little or no opposition in their districts.
High-profile contests across states
In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma is set to face strong political forces in the Imo West senatorial race, a district known for its heavyweight contenders. Former governor Rochas Okorocha and former senator Osita Izunaso are part of the political history of the district, making it one of the most closely watched battles in the primaries. However, Izunaso is said to have withdrawn from the race, though his final status remains unclear.
In Delta North, a major showdown is expected between incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who recently joined the APC. Nwoko is seeking a return to the Senate, while Okowa is attempting a political comeback after years away from the Red Chamber.
Ogun East initially attracted attention as former governor Gbenga Daniel prepared to challenge Governor Dapo Abiodun. However, Daniel has reportedly withdrawn from the race, citing alleged political intimidation and rising tensions around his campaign.
In Kano Central, former governor Ibrahim Shekarau is said to be running unopposed, while in Edo North, former governor Adams Oshiomhole also appears to have no major opposition.
Other influential figures listed include AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara Central), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe North), Majority Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe South).
Party screens 47 aspirants out
Meanwhile, the APC has also published a list of aspirants who were not cleared to contest the Senate primaries. About 47 senatorial aspirants were reportedly disqualified across different states, including Banigo Ipalibo and Jack-Rich Tein in Rivers West.
The development underscores the intensity of internal party realignments ahead of the primaries, as the APC continues its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
