The All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted its senatorial primary elections on Monday, May 19, 2026, in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The ruling party implemented a direct primary system across all senatorial districts, which was widely monitored nationwide. While the primaries saw intense competition among party stalwarts, several influential senators failed to secure their return tickets. Many of these senators have rejected the outcomes, and it remains uncertain whether the party will intervene and reinstate them.
Senators Defeated in APC Primaries
Below is a list of sitting senators who lost their bids for renomination during the primaries:
Ned Nwoko
The Delta North senator was unable to secure his return ticket, losing to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Nwoko, a first-term senator, had won his seat under the APC banner but could not overcome Okowa, who recently defected to the APC along with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori amid the leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In the Senate, Nwoko was known for advocating the creation of a new Anioma state, a development that had reportedly progressed significantly. However, many influential figures in the senatorial district opposed categorizing the region as part of the South East.
Neda Imasuen
Imasuen represents Edo South and was elected under the Labour Party in 2023 before defecting to the APC after being sworn into the 10th Senate. In the APC primary, he lost to Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former House of Representatives member. Imasuen rejected the outcome in a viral video, alleging that the party chairman had informed them that a consensus would be adopted, making his appearance at the primary unnecessary.
Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho)
The Kogi East senator, commonly known as Echocho, lost his bid for a third term to Dr. Erico Ameh. He rejected the result, accusing the ruling party of bias. In a trending video, Isah claimed that elections were not conducted in many wards due to a lack of electoral materials, including his own wards. He also alleged that the direct primary results were fabricated at the government house.
Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje
The senator representing Gombe Central for four consecutive terms failed to secure a fifth term, losing to retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed, who was backed by Governor Inuwa Yahaya. According to The Punch, Goje, a former governor of Gombe State, rejected the primary outcome, describing it as fake, and called for calm among his supporters.
These developments highlight the internal dynamics within the APC as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
