By Fatima Saka
Abuja, Nigeria — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified no fewer than 47 senatorial aspirants from contesting in its forthcoming primary elections, a move that underscores the party’s strict enforcement of internal screening guidelines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was announced in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, following the conclusion of the screening exercise conducted by various APC committees. According to the statement, the affected aspirants failed to secure clearance in line with the party’s established procedures.
Among prominent figures disqualified are former Bayelsa East senator, Ben Murray-Bruce; former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial aspirant, Usman J. Wowo; and Rivers politician, Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo.
The party, however, did not disclose specific reasons for the disqualification of each aspirant, maintaining only that the exercise adhered strictly to its internal rules.
Breakdown of the disqualified aspirants shows a wide geographical spread, with affected individuals drawn from states including Adamawa, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
In Adamawa North, Hon. Hamish Idris and Hon. Abdurman Kwacham were not cleared, while in Bayelsa East, both Murray-Bruce and Senator Benson Agadaga failed the screening.
Oyo State recorded multiple disqualifications, including Ademola Wasiu Alli, Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega, Kolapoboye Kola Daisi, and Akinremi Alade Bolaji.
Similarly, in Rivers State, aspirants such as Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein, and Banigo Ipalibo were excluded from the race.
Zamfara State recorded the highest number of disqualified aspirants, with seven contenders across its senatorial districts failing to meet the party’s requirements.
READ ALSO: MURIC Demands ICPC Explanation on Alleged Denial of Food to El-Rufai
Meanwhile, the APC also noted other political developments within its ranks, including the emergence of the daughter of the ADC National Chairman as the party’s House of Representatives candidate in Benue, the victory of Governor Babagana Zulum’s brother in a separate House of Representatives primary, and the withdrawal of a former Nigerian Air Force chief from politics after contesting the Bauchi governorship seat as the party’s flagbearer.
The party is expected to proceed with its senatorial primaries in the coming weeks as part of preparations for the 2027 elections, with observers noting that the high number of disqualifications could reshape internal party dynamics and candidate selection outcomes.
About The Author
