How APC primaries delivered shocks and surprises

By Sam Agogo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the House of Representatives in May 2026 have redrawn Nigeria’s political map in ways few anticipated. What began as a routine exercise of candidate selection quickly evolved into a referendum on incumbency, dynastic influence, and grassroots resistance. Across the six geopolitical zones, the primaries produced a blend of continuity and change, with governors consolidating power, dynasties tightening their grip, and long-serving lawmakers humbled by the tide of renewal.

Since its formation, the APC has been a coalition of powerful blocs, governors, and national figures. For years, incumbency was seen as a shield, with sitting lawmakers enjoying the advantage of name recognition, resources, and entrenched networks. Yet the 2026 primaries shattered this assumption. Governors asserted their dominance, dynastic names rose to prominence, and grassroots members demanded renewal. The outcome was a series of dramatic upsets, symbolic defeats, and the emergence of new aspirants who will carry the party’s banner into the general elections.

In the South-East, Abia reaffirmed its loyalty to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and former minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, both returned unopposed. Enugu produced one of the most dramatic upsets, with Chijioke Edeoga defeating the incumbent in Enugu East/Isi-Uzo, while Chimaobi Sam Atu retained Enugu North/South. Ebonyi consolidated its incumbents, but Imo became the graveyard of sitting lawmakers. Matthew Nwogu, Miriam Onuoha, Harrison Nwadike, and Emeka Chinedu all lost their tickets, while Cubana Chief Priest’s much-publicised bid collapsed. Sandra Inyama and Ngozi Pat-Ekeji were among the few survivors.

The South-South was marked by the fall of giants. Delta’s Nicholas Mutu, who had held his seat for 28 years, was finally unseated. Julius Ihonvbere, House Majority Leader in Edo, also lost, alongside Eseosa Iyawe. Winners included Ndudi Elumelu, Erhiatake Ibori, Paddy Iyamu, and Prince Henry Okojie. Rivers was dominated by loyalists of Nyesom Wike, while Cross River saw five sitting lawmakers lose their tickets, including Mike Etaba and Alex Egbona, clearing the way for new aspirants.

The South-West reaffirmed dynastic politics. Lagos returned Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, James Faleke, Jimi Benson, and Moses Olarewaju. Ogun crowned Olumide Osoba for a fourth term, alongside Funmi Afuwape, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and Oluwatoyin Taiwo. Ondo produced a generational shift as Olumuyiwa Daramola defeated Jimi Odimayo. Ekiti saw Akintunde Rotimi Jr. emerge, while Osun swept aside figures like Wole Oke. Oyo produced a full slate of winners, though disputes lingered in Ido/Ibarapa East.

In the North-Central, governors asserted dominance. Benue was a battlefield where Governor Hyacinth Alia eclipsed SGF George Akume’s loyalists. Livinus Tsar crushed incumbent Sesoo Ikpagher in Konshisha, polling thousands against single-digit returns. Ikper Terfa Christopher dominated Makurdi/Guma, while Nongo Terhemba swept Gwer East/Gweraaa West, defeating Hon. Achado with overwhelming margins. Regina Akume, wife of SGF George Akume, emerged unopposed in Gboko/Tarka, one of the few bright spots for the Akume camp. Other aspirants like Dickson Tarkighir failed to secure tickets, while Okoriko Abah and Williams Obande Obeya rejected the process in Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, alleging manipulation. Kwara reaffirmed Governor AbdulRazaq’s grip, with Rafiu Ajakaye defeating Ismail Kayode. Niger produced Adamu Abubakar, son of former Head of State Abdulsalami, while Plateau delivered one of the biggest shocks: Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, was defeated by John Tonshinen. Nasarawa produced consensus candidates without major upsets.

The North-East was a mix of dynasties and disputes. In Borno, Kaumi Zulum, brother of Governor Babagana Zulum, won unopposed, alongside Usman Zannah, Ahmed Jaha, Satomi Ahmed, Abdulkadir Rahis, Mustapha Abdullahi, Muktar Aliyu, Bukar Talba, and Fati Monguno. Askira-Uba/Hawul was declared inconclusive after complaints by Audu Zali. Gombe returned Chief Whip Usman Kumo unopposed, while Alfred John Attajiri rejected the outcome in Balanga/Billiri. Adamawa produced winners including Aliyu Boya Wakili, James Shuaibu Barka, Nyampa Dauda Zakaria, Ramatu Bello, Kwamoti Laori, Suleman Ahmed GK, Golfa Mallam, and Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad. Bauchi was chaotic, with multiple aspirants claiming victory, while Taraba’s primaries were delayed.

The North-West reaffirmed dynasties but humbled incumbents. Kaduna returned Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Samaila Abdul Suleiman, and Sadiq Ango Abdullahi. Katsina crowned Yusuf Buhari, son of late President Muhammadu Buhari, while Jamila Abdu Mani displaced Ahmed Saleh Junior in Mani/Bindawa. Jigawa returned eight candidates unopposed, but four incumbents lost. Kebbi produced Jafar Ahmed Jega, former Corrections CG, while Mansur Musa Jega was defeated. Sokoto crowned Prof. Musa Maitafsir in Yabo/Shagari, while consensus reaffirmed incumbents elsewhere. Yobe produced consensus candidates without major upsets.

The APC primaries were a referendum on continuity versus change. Dynasties thrived, from Yusuf Buhari in Katsina to Olumide Osoba in Ogun, while long-serving lawmakers like Mutu, Ihonvbere, Gagdi, and Mansur Musa Jega were humbled. Governors asserted dominance in Kwara and Benue, while Rivers showcased the enduring grip of Wike’s loyalists. The defeats of Mutu, Ihonvbere, Gagdi, and others show that incumbency is no longer a guarantee in APC politics. The rise of figures like Yusuf Buhari, Jafar Ahmed Jega, and Adamu Abubakar reflects the enduring appeal of family names and technocratic reputations, while grassroots pushback in Imo, Edo, Cross River, Benue, Jigawa, and Plateau signals a growing appetite for renewal.

For the APC, the primaries were more than an internal contest; they were a mirror reflecting the tensions between continuity and renewal, godfatherism and grassroots democracy, incumbency and insurgency. The winners will march into the general elections with renewed confidence, but the losers will carry the scars of defeat into the next phase of their political lives. And for Nigeria, the results are a preview of the battles to come in 2027.