The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its House of Representatives primaries across the country, setting the stage for the 2027 general elections.
The exercise, conducted on May 17, 2026, attracted widespread attention as both experienced lawmakers and new aspirants competed for party tickets to represent their constituencies in the Green Chamber.
According to reports, the primaries recorded strong turnout in several states, reflecting internal party dynamics and the ongoing balance between continuity and emerging political interests.
At the national level, top party figures such as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa all secured their tickets with relative ease.
Their victories further reinforced their influence within the party structure and their constituencies.
James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, also secured his nomination, while Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, emerged as a first-time aspirant in Katsina.
Key National Winners
- Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was returned unopposed in Zaria.
- Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, also secured his ticket.
- Mudasiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, won unopposed in Agege.
- James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, clinched victory in Ikeja/Ojodu.
- Yusuf Buhari secured victory in Katsina, marking his debut in the Green Chamber.
Other notable winners include Jimi Benson (Ikorodu), Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Ndudi Elumelu (Delta), and Olumide Osoba (Ogun).
Major Losers in the Primaries
- House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere lost his attempt for a third term in Edo.
- Four sitting lawmakers from Imo State — Matthew Nwogu, Miriam Onuoha, Harrison Nwadike, and Emeka Chinedu — failed to secure re-election tickets.
- Popular businessman Cubana Chief Priest also failed to secure the party’s ticket.
State-by-State Highlights
Kaduna
Samaila Abdul Suleiman emerged winner in Kaduna North with 3,049 votes, defeating Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka and Abubakar Mahmoud. However, Kaka’s camp alleged disenfranchisement of supporters during the process.
Edo
Ihonvbere lost his bid following a zoning arrangement between Owan East and West. Hon Eseosa Iyawe also lost in Oredo.
Delta
Ndudi Elumelu secured the Aniocha/Oshimili ticket, while Erhiatake Ibori won Ethiope Federal Constituency.
Ogun
Olumide Osoba emerged candidate for Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda.
Kogi
Leke Abejide, formerly of the ADC, won unopposed in Yagba.
Plateau
Yusuf Gagdi was endorsed for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam.
Jigawa
Five incumbents retained their tickets, while four were defeated by new challengers.
Ekiti
House of Representatives spokesman Akintunde Rotimi secured victory in Ekiti North I, defeating five opponents.
Reactions and Controversies
Although many of the primaries were peaceful, protests erupted in Kaduna, Osun, and Jos South over alleged irregularities in the process.
In Kaduna, some aspirants accused party officials of withholding election materials from perceived strongholds.
In Lagos, Mudasiru Obasa expressed appreciation for what he described as overwhelming support from his constituents, while Yusuf Buhari described his victory as a stepping stone toward greater representation and development for his constituency.
