2027: APC Overturns Primary Results, Replaces 26 Candidates After Appeals

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has replaced 26 National Assembly candidates who initially emerged victorious in its recently concluded primaries, following a review of petitions by the party's Primary Election Appeals Committee ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The changes, affecting seven senatorial districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies across nine states, came despite an earlier statement by the APC insisting that no official list of successful candidates had yet been released.

The revised list was contained in a letter dated June 29, 2026, jointly signed by APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, and addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Josh Amupitan.

According to the letter, the replacements followed the recommendations of the party's Primary Election Appeals Committee, whose report was reviewed and approved by the National Working Committee (NWC).

"We write to formally forward the attached list of the party's candidates for the affected senatorial and House of Representatives constituencies arising from the report of the Primary Election Appeals Committee.

"The reports of the Appeals Committee were reviewed and subsequently considered and approved by the NWC of the APC as the party's final position on the affected constituencies," the letter stated.

The APC added that the exercise complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines.

"We hereby transmit the enclosed list of approved candidates for seven senatorial districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies for your records and necessary action," the party stated.

High-profile replacements

Among the prominent figures dropped were former Benue State Governor Sen. Gabriel Suswam, who was replaced by Sen. Emmanuel Udende for the Benue North-East Senatorial District.

Retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Benjamin Aber lost the Benue North-West ticket to Sen. Titus Zam, while Aro Samuel Bamidele was replaced by Sen. Sunday Karimi for Kogi West.

Other changes saw Prince Paul Ikonne replace Edinburgh Uchenna Erondu in Abia South; Shuaibu Isa Lau replace Mohammed Kabir Bello in Taraba North; Adeniyi Adegbonmire replace Taiwo Fasoranti in Ondo Central; and Olajide Ipinsagba replace Gbenga Elegbeleye in Ondo North.

Several House of Representatives tickets were also altered across Benue, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Ondo, Kaduna, Abia and Ebonyi States, with new candidates replacing those earlier declared winners after the appeals process.

Over 700 petitions reviewed

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the party received more than 700 petitions from aspirants dissatisfied with the conduct and outcome of the primaries.

According to him, every petition underwent a detailed review, resulting in changes in constituencies where the appeals were upheld.

"For those aggrieved, we took our time to undertake a very thorough review of all the petitions that came after the primaries. There were over 700 petitions that were received and properly vetted.

"Some were successful and some were not. Successful petitions led to corrections in some constituencies. Those that were not successful meant that those who were earlier declared were retained.

"In a few cases, there were upsets based on the outcome of the petitions, and decisions were made on them," Morka said.

He stressed that the review process had been concluded and that the revised list represented the party's final position.

"We have gone past that. The people filling the forms today are those who emerged originally without challenge and those who emerged from the appeal process. This is the final position of the review," he said.

Focus shifts to INEC nominations

Morka explained that the APC's immediate priority was no longer the public release of candidates' names but ensuring that all successful candidates completed their nomination forms before INEC's deadline.

"The priority of the party now is to have all our candidates fill and complete their INEC nomination forms and upload the same on the INEC platform.

"Those who have emerged as candidates have already received their forms. They know themselves. There is no tension about that.

"Though we shall publicly release the list, our immediate priority is to meet the INEC deadline," he added.

He also disclosed that the party had activated its internal conflict resolution mechanism to address grievances arising from the primaries.

"The party's internal conflict resolution mechanism is being deployed, and we are making tremendous progress," Morka said.

Protest erupts in Ondo

The review triggered protests in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where aggrieved APC members rejected what they described as the revised list of candidates.

The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions including "Ondo State Is on Fire," "No to Abuja Result," "No to Corner-Corner Appeal," "We No Go Gree," and "Let Our Votes Count."

Speaking for the protesters, the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, insisted the revised list did not reflect the outcome of the direct primaries conducted across the state's 203 wards.

"We, the women of Ondo State who are members of the APC, have come out to express our displeasure with the fake list being circulated.

"We consider it fake because it does not reflect the mandate of the people," she said.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa declined to comment on the controversy through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, who simply said:

"No comment on the primary outcome for now."

Sanctions loom

Meanwhile, APC's national leadership is reportedly considering disciplinary action against some members of the Ondo State Executive Committee over their alleged involvement in the protests.

A senior party source, quoted by Leadership, accused some state officials of acting in the interest of the governor.

"We are aware that these party executive members are acting out the script of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

"It is disheartening that Aiyedatiwa, who has enjoyed the benevolence of both the party and President Bola Tinubu, would allow his supporters to protest against his benefactors.

"The party is compiling reports on those involved. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken," the source said.

Governors seek unity

Following the controversy, APC governors met in Abuja under the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) to review the outcome of the primaries.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, said the governors resolved to work with the party's national leadership to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.

"We have resolved to work towards solving the challenges facing our democratic space and ensuring that our people are better off," Uzodimma said.

The revisions effectively conclude the APC's internal candidate selection process for the affected constituencies, although some aggrieved aspirants are expected to consider legal action.

Source: Leadership

Tags: #APC Primaries, #2027 Elections, #INEC