The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections have produced a mix of major upsets, consensus victories, withdrawals, and internal disputes across several states in Nigeria.
The exercise saw a series of high-profile defeats, including former governors and serving political heavyweights losing party tickets in competitive contests. In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma secured the APC ticket for Imo West after defeating former Governor Rochas Okorocha with a wide margin. In Delta North, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa emerged victorious over incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko, while in Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone defeated former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege in a closely watched contest.
Several senior party figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Ali Ndume, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, emerged through consensus arrangements in their respective states.
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello also recorded a major win in Kogi Central, defeating his opponents in a landslide, while other states such as Kano North and Ebonyi witnessed affirmation exercises and consensus-based selections for sitting senators.
In Edo South, the primary generated controversy as rival factions declared different winners, with allegations of manipulation and rejection of the process by some aspirants. Similar disputes and protests emerged in several states following the disqualification of dozens of aspirants by the APC screening committee, which triggered accusations of unfair treatment and lack of transparency.
While some states experienced tension and disputes, others such as Oyo, Ekiti, Borno, and Yobe recorded peaceful and orderly primaries, with many incumbents retaining their tickets through affirmation or consensus arrangements. In Lagos State, all three serving senators were returned unopposed through party consensus.
The process also featured notable withdrawals and strategic stepping down of aspirants in some states to maintain party unity, while internal disagreements and competing declarations of victory in certain districts highlighted ongoing divisions within the party structure.
