The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries, held across Nigeria on Saturday, have significantly reshaped the party's internal dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections. The exercise produced a mix of decisive victories for some political heavyweights and unexpected defeats for others, reflecting shifting loyalties and grassroots realignments within the ruling party.
Biggest Winners
Tajudeen Abbas
In Kaduna State, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, secured his ticket for a fifth term without any opposition. His unopposed emergence reinforces his dominance in the APC's legislative hierarchy and underscores his strong political influence.
Yusuf Buhari
Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, clinched his first APC ticket in Katsina State. His entry into electoral politics continues the Buhari legacy and highlights the enduring influence of the family name in Nigerian politics.
Olumuyiwa Daramola
In Ondo State, Olumuyiwa Daramola defeated the incumbent representative Jimi Odimayo by a landslide, securing 6,547 votes against Odimayo's 827. This victory signals a strong shift in delegate loyalty and party structure in the constituency.
Leke Abejide
Former ADC lawmaker from Kogi State, Leke Abejide, proved that his political base is personal rather than party-dependent by winning the APC ticket without any resistance, demonstrating his strong grassroots support.
James Faleke
The veteran Lagos politician secured another return ticket, extending his dominance in the Ikeja/Ojodu federal constituency since 2011. His consistent performance underscores his enduring popularity.
Rafiu Ajakaye
Former Chief Press Secretary in Kwara State, Rafiu Ajakaye, defeated the incumbent Ismail Tijani, elevating himself into frontline politics and signaling a shift in local political alliances.
Abdulquawiy Olododo
Backed by executive consensus in Kwara State, Abdulquawiy Olododo defeated Yinka Aluko and is now poised to represent the Ilorin East/Ilorin South constituency if successful in the 2027 general elections.
Olumide Osoba
Son of former Ogun State Governor, Olumide Osoba extended his family's political dynasty by securing a ticket for a fourth term, reinforcing the Osoba legacy in Ogun politics.
Adamu Abubakar
Brother of former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, Adamu Abubakar won the APC ticket in Niger State, further reinforcing legacy influence within the party.
Kaumi Zulum
Brother of Borno State Governor, Dr. Kaumi Zulum emerged unopposed in the Dikwa/Konduga/Mafa federal constituency, displacing a two-term lawmaker and consolidating the Zulum political brand.
Biggest Losers
Nicholas Mutu
Representing the Bomadi/Patani federal constituency since 1999, Nicholas Mutu lost his ticket to Basil Ganagana. A constituent criticized his long tenure, questioning how a lawmaker could serve for nearly 30 years without introducing a single bill.
Julius Ihonvbere
The House Majority Leader failed to secure his ticket in the Owan Federal Constituency, demonstrating that even top party leaders can lose grassroots support when local dynamics shift.
Cubana Chief Priest
Celebrity businessman Paschal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chief Priest, lost his bid in Imo State. His defeat proved that popularity outside the party does not guarantee success within the party's internal selection processes.
Imo Lawmakers
Four sitting members from Imo State — Matthew Nwogu, Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, Harrison Anozie Nwadike, and Emeka Martins Chinedu — all lost their tickets, signaling a major shake-up in the Imo APC chapter.
The APC primaries revealed a complex mix of consolidation, dynastic influence, and grassroots realignments. Some political heavyweights strengthened their grip, while others were swept aside by new entrants and shifting loyalties. These outcomes will shape the party's legislative strength and internal balance in the years to come.
