Inside the Winners, Losers, Shock Defeats and Silent Political Earthquakes Reshaping the National Assembly.
As Nigeria gradually marches toward the decisive 2027 general elections, the just-concluded 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries have triggered political tremors across the federation, sweeping away powerful incumbents, elevating fresh political actors, and exposing the fierce internal struggles redefining the nation’s ruling party.
From Abuja power circles to grassroots political strongholds, the primaries have become more than ordinary party exercises; they have evolved into a referendum on loyalty, influence, performance, succession battles, and the survival of entrenched political empires.
Across the North Central, North West, South East, South South and South West zones, political heavyweights who once appeared untouchable suddenly found themselves displaced, while new contenders emerged from strategic alignments, consensus arrangements, and internal party recalibrations.
Governance Today Nigeria investigations reveal that more than 50 serving members of the House of Representatives reportedly failed to secure return tickets nationwide, making the 2026 APC primaries one of the most dramatic political shakeups in recent democratic history.
NORTH CENTRAL: THE FALL OF ESTABLISHED STRUCTURES
Benue State: Akume Loyalists Suffer Major Setback
Benue State witnessed one of the most significant political realignments within the APC as several lawmakers believed to be loyal to the camp of former governor and SGF, Senator George Akume, lost their tickets.
Among the major winners were Regina Akume, who secured the Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency ticket, and Blessing Onuh, who clinched the Otukpo/Ohimini ticket.
However, the primaries dealt devastating blows to several established lawmakers including:
Dzua Yortyom
Dickson Tarkighir
Austin Achado
Sesoo Ikpacher
Terseer Ugbor
David Ogewo
Political analysts interpret the outcome as evidence of shifting influence within Benue APC structures and a growing demand for political renewal.
Kogi State: Echocho’s Shock Defeat
In Kogi East, political observers were stunned as Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, lost the APC senatorial primary to Erico Ameh.
The defeat is being viewed as one of the biggest surprises in the North Central zone, particularly considering Echocho’s longstanding political dominance and grassroots machinery.
Plateau State: End of Gagdi’s Third-Term Dream
Another dramatic upset occurred in Plateau State where Yusuf Gagdi lost his third-term bid in the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency contest.
John Tongshinen emerged victorious in a contest widely interpreted as a rejection of prolonged incumbency politics.
NORTH WEST: CONSENSUS POLITICS AND INTERNAL PURGES
Jigawa State: Long-Serving Lawmakers Swept Aside
In Jigawa, four-term lawmaker Saidu Yusuf Miga failed to secure a return ticket, while Abdulhamid Madori reportedly faced disqualification hurdles.
The development further reinforces the growing APC internal policy favoring political restructuring and generational transition.
Katsina State: Consensus Deals Trigger Crisis
Katsina APC primaries were heavily influenced by consensus arrangements that reportedly displaced several aspirants.
Among notable casualties were:
Sani Danlami
Abubakar Kusada
Aminu Jamo
Dalhatu Tafoki
The outcome has continued to generate mixed reactions among party stakeholders and grassroots supporters.
Kebbi State: Negotiations Redefine Power Balance
Jaafar Jega and Bello Rilisco emerged victorious in strategic contests, while Mansur Musa Jega lost out and Ibrahim Bello reportedly stepped down during negotiations aimed at preserving party unity.
SOUTH EAST: INCUMBENTS FALL AS NEW FORCES EMERGE
Imo State: Massive Shakeup Hits APC Lawmakers
Imo State recorded one of the highest casualty rates among incumbent federal lawmakers.
Several new candidates emerged across the state’s ten federal constituencies, while notable lawmakers including:
Miriam Onuoha
Harrison Nwadike
Emeka Martins Chinedu
lost their tickets in what insiders described as a “total restructuring” of APC political calculations in the state.
Ebonyi State: Screening Controversies
Former House member Iduma Igariwey reportedly failed to scale through screening processes, adding to the growing list of political figures affected by internal party technicalities and compliance issues.
SOUTH SOUTH: BIG NAMES, BIG LOSSES
Delta State: Okowa Survives, Ned Nwoko Falls
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa secured the Delta North senatorial ticket in a contest that dramatically ended Senator Ned Nwoko’s ambitions within the APC structure.
The contest attracted national attention due to the political stature and influence of both figures.
Edo State: Political Earthquake Rocks APC
Edo State produced one of the most talked-about outcomes nationwide as House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere reportedly lost his ticket.
Also affected was Senator Neda Imasuen, who lost the Edo South senatorial contest.
Meanwhile, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama emerged among the notable winners.
The results have since triggered debates about loyalty, performance, and the changing calculations ahead of 2027.
Rivers State: Screening Battles Dominate Process
Rather than direct electoral defeats, Rivers politics witnessed intense screening controversies involving:
Awaji-Inombek Abiante
Anderson Allison
Boma Goodhead
who reportedly failed to scale through internal party screening stages.
Bayelsa State: Disqualifications Deepen Tensions
Former Deputy Governor Ipalibo Banigo and Benson Agadaga were among politicians reportedly affected by screening-related disqualifications.
Political observers believe the developments may further reshape Bayelsa’s opposition dynamics ahead of the general elections.
SOUTH WEST: STRONGHOLDS TESTED
Ondo State: Incumbents Rejected
Ondo APC primaries delivered another wave of anti-incumbency outcomes as five serving House of Representatives members reportedly lost their tickets.
Among them were:
Mayokun Lawson-Alade
Adejoro Adeogun
with others also displaced during fiercely contested exercises.
Lagos State: Strategic Victories Strengthen Power Alliances
In Lagos, former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa reportedly secured a House ticket, reinforcing his continued relevance within the evolving Lagos APC structure.
Kaduna State: Leadership Figures Retain Control
Unlike several states that witnessed heavy political casualties, Kaduna maintained relative stability as Speaker Tajudeen Abbas secured reelection primary victory, while Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also retained party confidence.
Their victories are seen as strategic stabilizing factors for the APC ahead of the 2027 national contest.
NATIONAL OUTLOOK: A PARTY IN TRANSITION
Among the major national winners emerging from the primaries are:
Tajudeen Abbas
Benjamin Kalu
Yusuf Buhari
Ndudi Elumelu
while prominent national losers include:
Ned Nwoko
Neda Imasuen
Yusuf Gagdi
Julius Ihonvbere
Jibrin Isah (Echocho)
The 2026 APC primaries have ultimately exposed the fragile nature of political dominance in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
For many incumbents, popularity, influence, and federal power no longer guaranteed survival. For emerging politicians, the primaries offered fresh openings into the national political space.
As post-primary litigations, negotiations, defections, and reconciliations begin to unfold, one reality remains undeniable: the road to 2027 has officially begun, and Nigeria’s political landscape may never remain the same again.
Exclusive Report by Governance Today Nigeria (GTN).
