Several prominent senators in the All Progressives Congress (APC) were defeated in the party’s recently concluded senatorial primaries, losing their bids to secure tickets that would have enabled them return to the Nigerian Senate.
However, some of the affected lawmakers have strongly rejected the outcome of the primaries, even though it remains unclear whether the party will consider or act on their complaints.
Meanwhile, the primaries recorded a mix of outcomes across different constituencies. While some senatorial aspirants voluntarily withdrew from the race, others ran unopposed. In some cases, candidates were disqualified, while several others suffered outright defeat at the polls.
Here is the list of sitting Senators who lost in the primaries:
1, Ned Nwoko
The senator representing Delta North was unable to secure a return ticket to the Senate after losing the APC primary election to former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Nwoko, who was serving his first term in the Senate, initially won the seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, but he was defeated by Okowa, who had recently defected to the party alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori following the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). During his time in the Senate, the billionaire lawmaker was widely known for strongly pushing the proposal for the creation of Anioma State.
The campaign reportedly gained significant attention at its peak, although it also faced resistance from several influential stakeholders within the senatorial district, some of whom were opposed to the idea of the region being grouped under the South East geopolitical zone.
2, Neda Imaseun
Imaseun represents Edo South in the Senate. He was elected in the 2023 general elections under the Labour Party platform, but shortly after being sworn in as a member of the 10th Senate, he switched allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the APC primary election, the senator was defeated by Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives. He later expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome in a widely circulated video, claiming that the party chairman had stated that a consensus arrangement was expected and that his physical presence at the primary was not necessary.
The simple courtesy and respect that you expect that a party would show to its senator was lacking today. The ward chairmen told me that it wasn’t necessary to come that they had a directive to adopt a consensus candidate.” – Senator Neda Imasuen pic.twitter.com/0H3raHHu8J
— black (@blckseun) May 18, 2026
3, Senator Jibrin Isah
The senator representing Kogi East, popularly known as Echocho, has lost his attempt to secure a third term in the Senate during the APC primary election, where he was defeated by Dr. Erico Ameh.
Following the outcome, the senator rejected the results and accused the ruling party of bias. In a widely circulated video, he alleged that the election did not take place in several wards because electoral materials were not distributed, including in his own ward. He further claimed that the results of the direct primary were allegedly compiled at the government house.
See a video of his outburst:
“I have been very supportive of your administration. I have been loyal to you, (Usman Ododo), and Yahaya Bello. Why do you want to deny Kogi east the best representation ever? I have told everybody who cares to listen that I don’t want to contest for governor. Since you’re now… pic.twitter.com/0QJUK4AHY5
— TheCable (@thecableng) May 18, 2026
4, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje
The senator representing Gombe Central, who served four consecutive terms, has failed in his bid to return to the Senate for a fifth term. He was defeated in the primary election by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed, who reportedly had the backing of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
According to The Punch, former governor and senator, Goje, has rejected the outcome of the primary election, describing it as fraudulent. He also called for calm among his supporters following the disputed result.
