APC Primaries: Akapbio, Oshiomhole, Sani among big winners as Nwoko, Omo-Agege lose out

By Tolulope Oke

The All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded its nationwide senatorial primaries on Monday, producing a mix of high-profile victories, major upsets, and intra-party tensions across several states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Delta North: Okowa Stuns Nwoko

In Delta North, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa defeated incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko to clinch the APC senatorial ticket, polling 113,309 votes against Nwoko’s 2,612 and Dr. Maryam Ali’s 40. The primary, conducted across the district’s nine local government areas, was described as peaceful and orderly.

Significant victories for Okowa came in Nwoko’s own local government area, where the former governor secured 5,480 votes to outpace the incumbent’s 1,343. Okowa also dominated in Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Ika North East, and Ndokwa West LGAs, while Ali failed to register any substantial support. The result is being hailed as a major upset and a strong statement from APC grassroots members.

In Delta Central, incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone also defeated former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege to secure the ticket, polling 116,252 votes to Omo-Agege’s 3,643.

Akwa Ibom, Kano, Gombe: Consensus and Direct Victories

Senator Godswill Akpabio won the APC ticket for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District with 121,425 votes, while Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, emerged the APC candidate for Kano North following an affirmation exercise attended by party members from all 13 LGAs in the district.

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, running unopposed, secured the APC ticket for Gombe North, while the PDP ticket went to incumbent Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo. The exercise in Gombe was reported as peaceful, reflecting the APC’s internal cohesion.

Kaduna: Yero, Sani, Katung Sweep

In Kaduna, former Governor Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero won the APC primaries for Kaduna North with 6,060 votes, defeating Muhammad Mu’azu Mukaddas (1,044) and Yusuf Bala Ikara (372).

Senator Shehu Sani won Kaduna Central, polling 9,105 votes, while Senator Sunday Marshall Katung emerged victorious in Kaduna South, defeating former Senator Danjuma Tella Laah and Michael Ayuba Auta. Party officials described the outcomes as reflective of grassroots preferences and internal democracy.

Imo, Edo: Uzodinma, Oshiomhole Secure Tickets

Governor Hope Uzodinma won the APC Imo West Senatorial District ticket with 230,464 votes, defeating former Governor Sen. Rochas Okorocha, who polled 1,098 votes across 12 LGAs.

In Edo North, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole was returned unopposed for a second term, polling 24,284 votes.

Ogun, Abia, Ekiti: Governors and Senators Confirmed

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun secured the APC ticket for Ogun East, while Jimoh Ojugbele emerged for Ogun West, and Shuaib Afolabi Salisu retained Ogun Central. In Abia North, incumbent Senator Orji Uzor Kalu polled 65,651 votes to defeat challenger Philip Nto (2,103). In Ekiti, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu were affirmed for re-election.

Kebbi, Borno, Bauchi: Consensus and Unopposed Wins

Senators Muhammad Adamu Aliero, Abdullahi Yahaya, and Jafar Muhammad Gajere emerged as consensus candidates in Kebbi Central, North, and South, while Borno’s incumbents Ali Ndume, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and Kala Shehu Lawan were unopposed. In Bauchi, former Reps Ibrahim Muhammad Baba and Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi won the APC tickets for Bauchi North and South, defeating incumbent Senator Samaila Kaila Dahuwam and other challengers.