The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released the names of 47 senatorial aspirants disqualified from contesting in its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made on Monday, May 18, 2026, by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, following a screening exercise conducted by the party's committees.
Screening Process and Disqualifications
According to a press statement signed by Felix Morka, the screening exercise was carried out by the APC Screening Committees in line with established procedures and guidelines. However, the party did not provide specific reasons for the disqualification of the aspirants. High-profile names such as Ben Murray-Bruce, a former senator representing Bayelsa East, and Benson Agadaga, who contested the same district, were among those affected.
Rivers and Zamfara Most Affected
In the Rivers West senatorial district, four aspirants were disqualified: Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein, and Banigo Ipalibo. Zamfara State recorded the highest number of disqualified aspirants, with seven names spread across its Central, North, and West districts.
Full List of Disqualified Aspirants
- Adamawa: Hamish Idris (North), Abdurman Kwacham (North)
- Anambra: Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue (North)
- Bayelsa: Donald Daunemigita (West), Ben Murray-Bruce (East), Benson S. Agadaga (East)
- Cross River: Daniel Effiong Asuquo (South), Oden Ibiang O Ewa (Central)
- Delta: Marian Nnamaka Ogoha-Ali (North)
- FCT: Usman J. Wowo, Abubakar Umar Abdullahi
- Jigawa: Adam Mouktar Mohammed (South/West)
- Kebbi: Garba Musa Mai Doki (South)
- Kwara: Kollo B. Jiya (North), Olutola John Onijala (South), Awolola Muritala (South), Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga (South)
- Nasarawa: Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu (North), Usman Muhammed Elegu (South), Yusuf Moh’d Agabi (South), Ari Ali Muhammed (South)
- Niger: Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq (Niger/South), Muhammed Bello A. (Niger South), Bello Bawa Bwari (Niger South)
- Oyo: Ademola Wasiu Alli (Central), Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega (North), Kolapoboye Kola Daisi (South), Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen (Central), Hameed Afeez Repete (Central), Akinremi Alade Bolaji (South)
- Plateau: Gyang Yaya Zi San (North), Napoleon Binkap Bah (South), Usman Ephraim Gar (Central)
- Rivers: Oyukaye Flag Amachree (West), Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo (West), Jack-Rich Tein T.S (West), Banigo Ipalibo (West), Barry Balera Mwara (South/East)
- Taraba: Bello Abudullahi Bodejo (Central)
- Yobe: Hassan H. Kafayos (North)
- Zamfara: Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi (Central), Aliyu Abubakar (Central), Muhammad Bashir Maru (Central), Hassan Muhammad Gusau (Central), Abubakar H. Moriiki (North), Bilyaminu Yusuf (North), Isyaka Ajiya Anka (West)
Rivers West recorded the highest number of disqualified aspirants in the APC primaries. In related news, Olumuyiwa Daramola, son of former Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Daramola, emerged victorious in the APC primary election for the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, defeating the incumbent, Hon. Jimi Odimayo.
