The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries of May 18, 2026, were a watershed moment in Nigeria’s political history. Conducted across all 109 districts, the exercise was more than a routine party selection; it was a fierce battle for survival, relevance, and supremacy. Governors leveraged their incumbency to secure Senate tickets, Senate leaders entrenched their dominance, while several long-standing dynasties collapsed under the weight of internal party intrigues.
South-East
In Abia, Orji Uzor Kalu reaffirmed his grip on Abia North with a crushing victory over Philip Nto, while consensus candidates emerged in Central and South.
Ebonyi delivered Emeka Kenneth Eze for Central, Onyeka Nwaebonyi for North, and Ani Anthony Okorie for South.
Imo produced Governor Hope Uzodimma in the West, Prince Alex Mbata in the East, and Senator Patrick Ndubueze in the North, displacing Osita Izunaso and Rochas Okorocha.
Enugu’s results saw a mix of party-backed candidates and incumbents retaining their seats.
South-South
Delta was dramatic, with Ifeanyi Okowa, Ede Dafinone, and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas triumphant, while Ned Nwoko and Ovie Omo-Agege suffered humiliating defeats that dismantled their political dynasties.
Rivers produced Felix Obuah, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and a Rivers East candidate, while Banigo Ipalibo, Tammy Danagogo, and Tein Jack-Rich were disqualified.
Cross River produced Eteng Williams, Martin Orim, and Asuquo Ekpeyong, while Daniel Asuquo and Oden Ewa were pushed aside.
Akwa Ibom saw Senate President Godswill Akpabio win unopposed, consolidating his influence at the national level.
Edo produced Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Ikpea, and Osagie Ize-Iyamu, while Neda Imasuen lost and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama claimed a parallel victory.
Bayelsa’s lineup featured High Chief Fidelis Agbiki, Senator Konbowei Benson for Bayelsa Central, and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce for Bayelsa East.
South-West
Lagos delivered Eshilokun Sanni in Central, Senator Abiru in East, and Idiat Adebule in West.
Ogun delivered Governor Dapo Abiodun in East, Shuaib Salisu in Central, and Odugbele in West, while Gbenga Daniel boycotted.
Ondo was swept by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s candidates.
Osun retained APC incumbents.
Oyo produced Remi Oseni in South, Yunus Akintunde in Central, and Prof. Adeolu Akande in North, while Wasiu Ajimobi, Kolapo Kola-Daisi, and Ademola Alli lost.
Ekiti was a clean sweep for Opeyemi Bamidele, Cyril Fasuyi, and Adaramodu Adeyemo.
North-Central
Benue produced Emmanuel Udende, Titus Zam, and Daniel Onjeh, strengthening the party’s hold in the Middle Belt.
Kogi saw Yahaya Bello in Central, Dr Erico Ameh in East, and Senator Sunday Karimi in West, while Echocho lost amid controversy.
Kwara produced Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Central, Senator Lola Ashiru in South, and a consensus candidate in North, while Muheebat Dankaka lost.
Nasarawa produced Governor Abdullahi Sule in North, Tanko Almakura in South, and Shehu Tukur in West.
Niger saw party-backed candidates emerge, with six aspirants disqualified.
Plateau delivered party-backed candidates, with five disqualified.
North-East
Borno was a clean sweep for heavyweights: Ali Ndume in Borno South, Tahir Monguno in Borno North, and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN in Borno Central.
Gombe delivered Governor Inuwa Yahaya in the North, DCP Mohammed Ahmed in Central, and a Yahaya-aligned candidate in South, while five-term Senator Mohammed Goje was toppled in one of the biggest upsets of the primaries.
Adamawa produced Governor Ahmadu Fintiri in Adamawa North, after rivals Hamish Idris and Abdurman Kwacham were disqualified.
Bauchi delivered Lawal Gumau, Halliru Jika, and Adamu Bulkachuwa, though disputes remain unresolved.
Taraba and Yobe produced party-backed candidates.
North-West
Kano was a clean sweep for Barau Jibrin, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Rufai Hanga Kawu, all unopposed, underscoring the dominance of established figures.
Katsina produced AbdulAziz Yar’Adua, Nasiru Daura, and Mukhtar Dandutse.
Kebbi delivered Senator Adamu Aliero for Central, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi for North, and Retired Major-General Jafar Muhammad Gajere for South.
Jigawa produced Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam-Madori for North-East, Senator Babangida Hussaini for North-West, and Senator Khabeeb Mustapha for South-West.
Kaduna delivered Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Suleiman Kwari, and Bulus Audu.
Zamfara produced party-backed candidates, but seven aspirants were disqualified — the highest nationally.
Sokoto produced party-backed candidates.
Key Trends
The primaries revealed three clear trends:
Governors consolidated power, sweeping Senate tickets to remain politically relevant beyond their terms
Senate leaders entrenched their positions, ensuring continuity at the top
Dynasties collapsed, with figures like Ned Nwoko, Ovie Omo-Agege, Mohammed Goje, and Echocho suffering humiliating defeats, while disqualifications reshaped the party’s lineup
The APC primaries were not just an internal exercise; they were a reconfiguration of Nigeria’s Senate caucus, a dramatic reshaping of political fortunes, and a preview of the fierce battles that will define the 2027 general election.
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