Politics
APC Senatorial Primaries: Ned Nwoko, Goje, others lose return tickets in major shake-up (Full List)
Many serving senators on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) suffered defeats in the party’s primary elections held on Monday, May 18, 2026, ahead of the January 16, 2027 National Assembly polls.
Across the 109 senatorial districts nationwide, the exercise produced a mix of high-profile upsets, affirmations, and contested declarations, with several incumbents losing their tickets while others secured re-election bids amid disputes over results in some zones.
Leading the list of defeated incumbents was Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), who reportedly lost his ticket to former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, by a wide margin.
In Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Neda Imasuen also lost out, falling to former House of Representatives member, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
Similarly, Senator Jibrin Isah (Kogi East), popularly known as “Echocho,” was defeated by Dr. Erico Ameh in a closely contested primary.
In Gombe Central, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje also lost his return ticket after a strong challenge from DCP Mohammed Ahmed (Rtd), who clinched the APC senatorial nomination in the district following a decisive direct primary.
However, the outcome in some states remains controversial, with parallel claims emerging from party stakeholders.
In Delta State, while official collation reportedly favoured Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama in Edo South, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s camp has insisted that he emerged victorious in a parallel process, underscoring growing tension over the credibility of some primaries.
In several other districts, some serving senators were reportedly disqualified before voting commenced due to screening-related issues, effectively ending their re-election bids before the primaries.
However, a significant number of incumbents successfully retained their tickets through consensus arrangements or direct victories at the polls.
Among those who secured return tickets through affirmation are Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North-West), Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North), and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central).
Others who emerged unopposed include all three APC senators from Borno State: Kaka Shehu Lawan, Tahir Monguno, and Ali Ndume.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan also secured the party’s ticket for Yobe North through affirmation.
In Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu retained his ticket after a decisive contest, polling 65,651 votes against Philip Nto, who scored 2,103 votes.
The party is still collating results from other senatorial districts across the country, with official announcements expected to continue as the primaries progress.
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