2027: Discontent as APC Dumps More Than 50 Reps, Senators

The APC is facing rising internal tensions after its nationwide primaries, with reports that over 50 lawmakers may lose their return tickets ahead of 2027. Several serving senators and House members have alleged irregularities and manipulation, while analysts say shifting party power blocs and governor influence reshaped outcomes across multiple states.

There are growing signs of unrest within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the outcome of the party’s nationwide primaries, with indications that more than 50 members of the House of Representatives and several serving senators may not return to the National Assembly in 2027.

The development has triggered complaints, protests, and threats of litigation from aggrieved lawmakers who alleged irregularities and lack of transparency in the primary elections.

Many of the affected lawmakers were among those who consistently defended controversial government policies, supported executive-backed bills, and backed reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, amendments to the Electoral Act, and other fiscal measures despite public criticism.

However, the APC primaries appear to have altered the political fortunes of several loyal lawmakers, many of whom reportedly lost their tickets after shifting alliances within party structures.

Among prominent lawmakers who failed to secure return tickets are Julius Ihonvbere, Nicholas Mutu, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Mike Etaba, Alex Egbona, and several others across different states.

In Delta State, Nicholas Mutu lost his bid to return to the House after serving since 1999, while Senator Ned Nwoko and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege also reportedly failed to secure APC tickets.

In Rivers State, lawmakers including Boma Goodhead and Awaji Abiante were among those who lost out during the party primaries.

Several lawmakers from Cross River, Ogun, Ekiti, and Enugu states were also denied return tickets, including some who had spent multiple terms in the National Assembly.

The crisis has deepened tensions within the APC, with some lawmakers openly accusing governors and party leaders of manipulating the primaries.

Kogi East Senator Jibrin Isah publicly challenged Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo after losing his senatorial ticket, alleging that results were predetermined before voting began.

Meanwhile, House of Representatives member Teju Okuyiga claimed that party guidelines for accreditation, voting, and collation were ignored in several wards.

Political analyst Nduka Odo said many lawmakers are now facing the consequences of a political system they previously supported, arguing that the same structures used against opposition politicians have now turned against them within their own party.

He added that the situation reflects the growing influence of governors and party power blocs in determining political survival ahead of the 2027 general elections.