APC Primaries: Candidates Emerge in House of Reps Contests Across States

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has conducted its House of Representatives primary elections across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections, producing a mix of elected and consensus candidates in various federal constituencies.

According to channelstv, the primaries—held through direct voting and open ballot systems—were monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the party sought to deepen internal democracy and select its flag bearers for the upcoming polls.

The exercise, initially scheduled for Friday, was postponed to Saturday by the party leadership.

Ahead of the primaries, President Bola Tinubu urged party members to avoid internal conflict and “do-or-die politics,” calling for fairness, unity, and respect for party rules in the selection process.

Mixed Outcomes Across States

In Katsina State, Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, emerged victorious in the Daura Federal Constituency primary after defeating Auwal Lawal Musa, son of a former DSS Director-General.

In the Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency, Hajiya Jamila Abdu Mani won the party ticket with a wide margin, polling 24,989 votes against her opponent’s 1,256 votes, according to the electoral committee.

In Kaduna State, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, was returned unopposed in the Zaria Federal Constituency after 1,376 delegates affirmed his candidacy.

Former lawmaker Samaila Suleiman also secured the APC ticket for Kaduna North after polling 3,049 votes.

Consensus and Internal Agreements

Several constituencies adopted consensus arrangements to avoid competitive voting.

In Katsina, stakeholders endorsed Hamza Sule Faskari as consensus candidate for Kankara/Faskari/Sabuwa Federal Constituency.

Similarly, Usman Murtala Banye emerged unopposed in Rimi/Charanchi/Batagarawa Federal Constituency following internal agreement among party stakeholders.

In Kebbi State, former Correctional Service boss Jafar Ahmed Jega emerged as APC candidate for Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro Federal Constituency after an incumbent stepped down.

Other constituencies, including Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza and Suru/Bagudo, also produced candidates through consensus arrangements.

Disputes and Protests in Some Areas

However, the exercise was not without tension in parts of Niger State, where some constituencies reportedly witnessed protests over alleged imposition of candidates.

In Gurara/Tafa/Suleja and Shiroro Federal Constituencies, aggrieved members of the party reportedly disrupted proceedings, alleging lack of transparency and internal disagreements.

Political Context

The APC primaries are part of broader preparations for the 2027 general elections, as aspirants across the country compete for party tickets at both national and state levels.

While the party leadership has repeatedly called for unity, some areas continue to experience internal friction over candidate selection processes.

Party officials say efforts are ongoing to resolve disputes and strengthen cohesion ahead of the general elections.

Source: channelstv