APC Senate primaries: Okowa, Abiodun, Uzodimma win; Ned Nwoko, Goje, others lose

APC Senatorial Primaries: Barau, Bello, Oshiomhole, Kalu Secure Tickets as Jack-Rich, Banigo, Danagogo, 41 Others Disqualified
The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries held across Nigeria produced dramatic outcomes, with several political heavyweights securing return tickets while dozens of aspirants were disqualified amid controversies, protests and allegations of manipulation.
Among the notable winners were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Adams Oshiomhole, Orji Uzor Kalu, Opeyemi Bamidele, Ali Ndume and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello, all of whom clinched APC senatorial tickets through direct primaries, consensus arrangements or unopposed affirmations.
In a major shake-up, no fewer than 44 senatorial aspirants were barred from participating in the primaries. Those affected include Rivers politician Tein Jack-Rich, Senator Ipalibo Banigo and former Rivers Head of Service Tammy Danagogo.
Rivers State recorded one of the highest numbers of disqualified aspirants, particularly from Rivers West Senatorial District, sparking criticism from party stakeholders and supporters. Senator Banigo condemned the action, describing it as unfair and insensitive to women’s representation in politics.
In Delta State, Senator Ede Dafinone defeated former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege in Delta Central, while former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa defeated incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko in Delta North.
In Kogi Central, Yahaya Bello recorded a landslide victory, polling over 72,000 votes across the five local government areas of the district.
Meanwhile, controversy trailed the APC primaries in Edo South, where conflicting results emerged between Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Osagie Ize-Iyamu, with both camps laying claim to victory.
The APC also adopted consensus arrangements in several states including Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara, where serving senators such as Aliyu Wamakko, Abdulaziz Yari and Adamu Aliero secured return tickets.
Despite complaints and allegations of irregularities in some states, APC leaders described the primaries as largely peaceful, transparent and a reflection of the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections