May 19, (THEWILL) — The ruling All Progressives Congress has concluded its senatorial primary elections across the country, with several serving governors, former governors and top federal lawmakers emerging victorious ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The primaries, which were held on Monday, May 18, produced dramatic victories, political upsets and high-profile withdrawals as party members across different senatorial districts voted to determine who would fly the party’s flag in the National Assembly elections.
Among the major winners were serving governors, whose tenures are nearing completion, former governors seeking political comebacks, and ranking senators who secured return tickets without serious opposition.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, successfully secured the APC ticket for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, strengthening his position ahead of the 2027 polls.
His deputy, Jibrin Barau, also emerged victorious for Kano North Senatorial District, while Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, retained control of Ekiti Central without visible opposition.
For Imo West, Hope Uzodimma clinched the APC senatorial ticket in one of the most closely watched contests of the exercise. The governor, whose second tenure will end in January 2028, returned to the district he previously represented from 2011 to 2019 before becoming governor.
Uzodimma’s campaign for the Senate generated significant attention because of the heavyweight political figures associated with Imo West Senatorial District over the years, including former governor and ex-senator, Rochas Okorocha.
Reports indicated that incumbent Senator, Osita Izunaso, later stepped aside from the race, paving the way for Uzodimma’s emergence.
In Ogun State, outgoing governor, Dapo Abiodun, emerged winner of the Ogun East Senatorial District primary election after voting concluded across the nine local government areas of the district.
Abiodun’s victory came after former governor and serving senator, Gbenga Daniel, withdrew from the contest hours before the exercise.
Daniel, who had earlier obtained nomination and expression of interest forms to seek another Senate term, accused political actors of intimidation and threats against his supporters, insisting that the atmosphere no longer guaranteed free participation.
One of the biggest victories of the primaries came from Kogi Central, where former governor, Yahaya Bello, secured a sweeping win.
Bello reportedly polled 72,399 votes across the five local government areas of the district to defeat his challengers in emphatic fashion, immediately positioning himself as one of the strongest APC senatorial candidates heading into the general election.
For Edo North Senatorial District, former Edo governor, Adams Oshiomhole, comfortably retained control of the district as he emerged unopposed.
Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, also won the APC ticket for Yobe, while senators such as Orji Uzor Kalu, Ali Ndume and Ede Dafinone secured return tickets in their respective districts.
Other notable APC figures who reportedly emerged successful include Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for Kwara Central, Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya for Gombe North, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni for Yobe South, and Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno for Borno North.
Despite the victories recorded by several APC heavyweights, the primaries also produced stunning defeats for some incumbents and prominent politicians.
For Delta North Senatorial District, serving senator, Ned Nwoko, suffered a major political setback after losing the APC ticket to former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
The outcome marked a dramatic reversal in fortunes for Nwoko, who had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party before seeking re-election under the APC.
Okowa, who recently aligned with the APC after years in the PDP, leveraged his political structure and experience to reclaim relevance at the national level through the Senate route.
Another significant upset occurred in Edo South Senatorial District, where incumbent Senator, Neda Imasuen, lost to former House of Representatives member, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
In Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah was defeated by Erico Ameh, adding to the growing list of incumbents unable to survive the fierce internal contests.
The APC primaries reflected the growing influence of outgoing governors and former state executives seeking soft landings in the National Assembly as their gubernatorial tenures gradually wind down.
Political observers also noted that many serving senators avoided difficult contests after negotiations and withdrawals reduced tension in some districts.
Across several states, the exercise showcased the APC’s internal power dynamics as old political alliances shifted and new blocs emerged ahead of the 2027 elections.
With the primaries now concluded in most districts, attention has shifted to possible legal disputes, reconciliation efforts and preparations for the general elections, especially in areas where aggrieved aspirants may challenge the outcomes.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
