APC Reps tickets: Protests, violence, disqualifications mar primaries

* Osoba’s son, Ibori’s daughter, Obasa, Faleke, GNI, others win tickets  

* Wike’s loyalists sweep Rivers

*Aiyedatiwa’s allies disqualified  

* Why we disqualified 4 Fubara’s loyalists, 10 others— Morka

By Clifford Ndujihe, Dayo Johnson, Dapo Akinrefon, Olasunkani Akoni, Demola Akinyemi, Wole Mosadomi, Omeiza Ajayi, Ebunoluwa Sessou, Rotimi Ojomoyela, Shina Abubakar, James Ogunnaike, Olayinka Ajayi & Adeola Badru

THE All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Representatives primaries, held across the country, yesterday, were characterized by high-wire intrigues, drama, and protests.

While some aspirants emerged unopposed via consensus, some won with the skin of their teeth in tight contests.

Incidents of controversial disqualifications and withdrawals were also noticed as Oyo State, Ekiti, Ondo, Abuja South, parts of Lagos and Cross River among others became flash points.

Peaceful primaries prevailed in Bayelsa, Borno, Imo and Anambra among others.

It was a day that Federal Capital Territory Minister, FCT, Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, had the upper hand in the battle for Rivers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who had many of his loyalists axed by the APC hierarchy.

‘Why we disqualified 14 aspirants’

As results of the primaries trickled in, the ruling party released a list of 14 aspirants who were screened but disqualified from participating, citing failure to meet its established screening criteria.

National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, in a in a tweet on the party’s X handle on Saturday in Abuja, said the screening exercise was conducted by the party’s screening committees “in line with established procedures and guidelines,” without specifying the individual grounds for each disqualification.

Rivers State had four aspirants disqualified. They are reportedly allies of the state governor, Sim Fubara. Those affected are; Air Commodore John Azubuike Opara, UNI (Rtd), who was seeking the Port Harcourt seat; Hon. Anderson Allison Igbiki of Okrika/Ogu/Bolo; Awaji Imombek D. Abirite of Andoni/Opori/Nkoko; and Hon. Boma Goodhead of Asari Toru/Akuku-Toro.

The affected aspirants span six states — Ondo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kogi and Rivers — with Ondo and Rivers states accounting for the bulk of the disqualifications.

Seven aspirants from Ondo State were barred from the primary. They are Hon. Adefisoye Tajudeen, who had sought the Idanre/Ifedore seat; Olusegun Victor Ategbole and Seun Oluwashina Ajongbolo, both contesting the Akoko South-East/South-West constituency; Rt. Hon. Arowole Ayodeji Samuel of Owo/Ose; and Morufu Tosin Ibrahim, Oseni Oyeniyi and Olaleye John Adedipe, all three of whom were in contention for the Akoko North-East/North-West seat.

The remaining three disqualifications cut across Bauchi, Ebonyi and Kogi states respectively. Dr. Bashir Ibrahim Bello was barred from the Darazo/Ganjuwa race in Bauchi; Hon. Idu Igariwe was disqualified from the Afikpo-Edda Federal Constituency contest in Ebonyi; while Sanni Salau Ogembe of Kogi State was cleared out of the Okene/Ogori/Magongo primary.

The affected aspirants have not yet indicated whether or not they intend to challenge their disqualification through the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

Primaries stall in Abuja South

The primary for Abuja South Federal Constituency collapsed, yesterrday, following a bitter dispute over the adoption of a consensus candidate, leaving thousands of party members stranded.

Voters who arrived as early as 8am at centres, including Pilot/Demonstration Primary School, Gwagwalada, and Science Pilot Primary School, Kwali, waited all day without seeing electoral officials. By evening, most had dispersed, clutching unused membership cards.

The stalemate followed three days of failed talks among party leaders in Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils, who could not agree on a consensus candidate.

Frontline aspirant and outgoing Gwagwalada Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin Giri, blamed recent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, accusing them of pushing consensus to hijack the process.

“Consensus will not work in the FCT. Members will resist any attempt to impose candidates,” he said, insisting on a free and fair primary.

Giri also criticised the incumbent lawmaker, Abdulrahman Ajiya, alleging poor performance, and called for all aspirants to face the electorate.

Similarly, former National Population Commission Commissioner, Hon. Joseph Shazin, warned that forcing consensus could trigger defections, noting the large turnout as evidence of members’ readiness for a credible contest.

Four aspirants — Giri, Danladi Chiya, Yahaya Musa and Ajiya — are in the race.

As of Saturday night, only skeletal activity was reported in parts of Gwagwalada, while the process remained stalled in Kwali and Abaji amid last-minute talks to salvage a consensus.

Garba clinches consensus ticket for sixth term in Niger

In Niger State, a five-term member of the House of Representatives, Abdullahi Idris Garba (Mai Solar), emerged as the APC, consensus candidate for Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Mashegu Federal Constituency.

Garba’s emergence followed the withdrawal of fellow aspirant, Mohammed Rabi’u Daja (Dokajin Kontagora), who stepped down “in the interest of party unity and cohesion.”

Chairman of the Bago/Mai Solar Campaign Council, Bala Marika, in a statement, described the move as a boost to party stability, noting that it reflected a shared commitment to peaceful political engagement and collective interest of the constituency.

He added that Garba’s endorsement was linked to his “track record of effective representation, grassroots engagement and attraction of developmental projects.”

In a related development, former Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Adamu Usman, emerged consensus candidate for Mokwa/Edati/Lavun Federal Constituency.

Similarly, Saeed Musa Abdullahi was returned unopposed as APC consensus candidate for Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency.

However, the exercise was marred by disagreements in some wards, where elections could not hold as of Saturday. Party sources said efforts were ongoing to resolve the disputes and complete the process.

Ajakaye, Olododo win in Kwara

The primaries in Kwara State recorded sweeping victories for leading aspirants, though official results were yet to be declared as of press time due to disruptions in parts of Kwara North and South.

In Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, former Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye, dominated the polls, defeating incumbent Ismail Tijani across all declared wards. Key aspirants in Offa stepped down for him, directing supporters to vote massively in his favour. Ajakaye polled 1,551 votes to Tijani’s zero in Ipee (Oyun), 707 in Erin-Ile South, and 300 to 1 in Ile-Ire Ward.

In Ilorin East/South, former Works Commissioner, Abdulquawiy Olododo, emerged frontrunner, recording wide margins over incumbent Yinka Aluko. He scored 2,012 votes in Magaji Are II against Aluko’s 312, and 5,122 to 550 in Akanbi V.

Elsewhere, in Edu/Moro/Patigi, incumbent Adamu Saba Ahmed was leading before voting was disrupted, while Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya maintained a strong lead in Ilorin West/Asa, winning across several polling units.

Protests, violence, disqualifications mar exercises in South-West

* Members kick against imposition, irregularities

* Aiyedatiwa allies disqualified  

Tension trailed the House of Representatives primaries across South-West states, with protests, violence, last-minute disqualifications and logistical hiccups overshadowing the exercise.

Oyo protest over alleged imposition

In Oyo State, aggrieved members stormed the party’s Oke-Ado Secretariat in Ibadan, protesting alleged imposition of candidates and widespread irregularities.

Chanting “No to imposition” and “Our votes must count,” the protesters accused party leaders of sidelining loyal members and manipulating the process across several local government areas.

Spokesman of the group, Alhaji Adebayo Akinola, described the exercise as a “hijack of the democratic process,” warning that the development could erode grassroots support.

“We were denied fair participation, while preferred candidates were imposed. If this persists, the party may face consequences in future elections,” he said.

Another member, Mrs Funke Adelowo, lamented that internal democracy was being undermined, warning that the party risked implosion if genuine members continued to be sidelined.

Security operatives were deployed to forestall breakdown of law and order, as protesters demanded cancellation of results in affected areas.

Efforts to get the reaction of the state leadership proved abortive.

Violence disrupts Ekiti exercise

In Ekiti State, pockets of violence disrupted the primaries in parts of Ado-Ekiti, despite heavy security presence.

At Ward 10, Fajuyi Pavilion, suspected thugs invaded the venue, forcing the exercise to be declared inconclusive.

The contest in Ado-Ekiti/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency between incumbent Olushola Fatoba and challenger Tope Ogunleye was halted following clashes.

Eyewitnesses alleged that armed hoodlums stormed the venue, leading to attacks on supporters and party agents.

Several persons, including an agent identified as Sunday and a member, Femi Ogunleye, were assaulted, while another victim was hospitalised.

Ondo: Confusion over disqualifications

In Ondo State, confusion reigned after the APC national secretariat disqualified seven aspirants reportedly backed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hours to the primaries.

The development triggered tension across the state, with parallel primaries held in some constituencies, producing multiple winners.

Affected aspirants vowed to challenge their disqualification, describing it as unjust.

While some party leaders insisted the exercise was peaceful and orderly, others alleged manipulation.

An aspirant, Jimi Adekanle, claimed electoral officials abandoned voting and attempted to “write results,” alleging disenfranchisement.

Osun turnout amid delays

In Osun State, party members turned out in large numbers across wards, though delays were recorded in the arrival of electoral officials.

At Ward 3, Apoun, in Osogbo, members queued behind preferred aspirants, while in Olorunda, supporters waited for the exercise to commence.

The primaries, which began around noon in parts of the state, witnessed orderly conduct in areas where officials arrived on time.

Lagos: Withdrawals, vote-buying allegations trail exercise as Obasa, Laguda, Adeyemi emerge unopposed  

In Lagos the primaries were marked by a mix of consensus victories, high-profile contests, last-minute withdrawals and pockets of crisis across constituencies.

While party leaders hailed the exercise as largely peaceful, reports of irregularities, voter intimidation and vote-buying surfaced in some areas, raising concerns over the credibility of the process.

In Agege Federal Constituency, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, emerged unopposed as the party’s candidate. The primary, held at Oluwole Primary School, witnessed a massive turnout of party faithful, who validated his candidacy.

Obasa described the exercise as peaceful and reflective of internal democracy. “This is a fantastic exercise and a very good development,” he said, expressing optimism that the process across the state would remain orderly.

However, the situation was less smooth in Lagos Mainland, where the primary was disrupted by alleged violence and intimidation in areas including Apapa Road, Makoko, Iwaya and Adekunle.

Aggrieved members accused some party leaders of manipulating the process in favour of preferred aspirants. Supporters of Abdulhakeem Animashaun alleged they were forced out of voting centres, while also claiming that proper accreditation procedures were not followed.

“We reject whatever outcome emerges from today’s election because the process was flawed,” one protester said, as party members called for a probe into the exercise.

Similarly, allegations of vote-buying and inducement trailed the primaries in Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency. Sources claimed that large sums of money were distributed to influence delegates, while fake party slips were allegedly used to mislead voters.

Attempts to get responses from the accused aspirants were unsuccessful as of press time.

In Somolu, the contest took a dramatic turn as one of the frontline aspirants, Abdul-Hammed Salawu, popularly known as Dullar, withdrew from the race hours to the primary. He said his decision was in the interest of party unity and stability, urging his supporters to remain loyal to the APC.

The withdrawal reshaped what was initially a four-way contest involving notable figures, including Kolade Alabi and Rotimi Olowo.

Across the state, several constituencies witnessed intense competition. Oshodi-Isolo recorded the highest number of aspirants, with about 16 contenders, while Lagos Mainland had seven aspirants battling for the ticket with current lawmaker, James Faleke, winning a return ticket.

High-profile contests were also recorded in Mushin II, where Seye Oladejo faced Toyin Fayinka, and in Oshodi-Isolo I, where Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola-Salako joined a crowded field of aspirants.

Meanwhile, a few constituencies produced consensus candidates. Apart from Obasa in Agege, Fuad Laguda (Surulere I) and Benjamin Olabinjo (Ifako-Ijaiye) also emerged unopposed.

Despite assurances by party leaders, the combination of consensus arrangements, withdrawals and reported irregularities has sparked debate among party faithful over transparency and fairness in the APC’s internal processes.

As of press time, the party leadership had yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the reported crises and allegations across the state.

Loyalists of an aspirant at Oshodi-Isolo Constituency, Kehinde Bamigbetan, protested alleged electoral malpractice, accusing electoral officials of bias.l, saying there were no primaries in the Constituency.

Some aggrieved aspirants and their   supporters stormed the APC Secretariat in Ikeja in protest.  

At press time, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Saleh Yipmong, and his team were collating the results at the APC Secretariat.

Osoba’s son, GNI, Afuwape, others win tickets in Ogun  

In Ogun State, the House of Representatives primaries were held across the state’s 234 wards, with party officials describing the exercise as peaceful and orderly.

The polls, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, largely ratified candidates earlier produced through consensus in several federal constituencies.

Among the winners were incumbent member for Imeko-Afon/Yewa North, Mr Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and Mr Olumide Osoba, son of former governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

Isiaka secured the ticket for a second term, while Osoba emerged unopposed to clinch the party’s ticket for a fourth term to represent Obafemi Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda Federal Constituency.

Party officials at collation centres said the process was smooth and largely rancour-free, attributing this to the adoption of consensus in many constituencies.

However, a contest ensued in Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, where the incumbent, Mr Afolabi Afuwape, faced four challengers — Sodirudeen Ayodeji, Abdul-Akeem Ademolake, Lanre Edun and Tolulope Fikayo Philips.

Afuwape won after polling 12,633 votes across the 15 wards, defeating his closest rival, Philips, who scored 760 votes.

A party official at the collation centre commended members for their orderly conduct, noting that the exercise reflected unity and internal democracy.

In Ogun East Senatorial District, however, the consensus option sparked disagreements among aspirants, prompting the party to adopt the Option A4 voting method in some constituencies.

Wike loyalists sweep Rivers; crises, claims of imposition rock S-South states

* Fubara allies allege witch-hunt, dump party

Bayelsa, Edo primaries peaceful, orderly

C/River aspirants decry ‘charade’, threaten fallout

By Samuel Oyadongha, Jimitota Onoyume, Egufe Yafugborhi, Ozioruva Aliu, Dan Abia, Emem Idio, Akuopha Ochuko, Emma Una & Ike Uchechukwu

Discontent trailed the APC House of Representatives primaries in Rivers State, as loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, tightened their grip on the party’s tickets, leaving allies of Governor Siminalayi Fubara sidelined.

Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, a known ally of Wike, clinched the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency ticket after primaries conducted across the 17 wards, yesterday.

Also, Blessing Amadi, representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency, secured the party’s ticket to seek re-election, while Hart Cyril Godwin is poised to fly the APC flag for Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency.

The party cleared 19 aspirants, largely seen as loyal to Wike, across the 13 federal constituencies, while disqualifying four aspirants, including serving lawmakers believed to be sympathetic to Governor Fubara.

Among those disqualified are John Azubuike Opara, Anderson Allison Igbiki (rtd), Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead, a serving member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency.

Cleared aspirants included Amaewhule, Linda Somiari-Steward, Dumnamene Dekor, Felix Nwaeke, Victor Obuzor, Solomon Bob and others across the constituencies.

Top party figures, including APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, and others monitored the exercise in parts of the state.

Despite the adoption of direct primaries, observers noted that consensus arrangements prevailed in several constituencies.

Security was tight at the APC state secretariat in Port Harcourt, where electoral materials were distributed, with heavy police presence mounted to forestall disruptions.

However, tension escalated following the earlier disqualification of about 65 House of Assembly aspirants reportedly loyal to Fubara, a development critics described as a calculated move to weaken the governor’s camp.

Some aggrieved members have begun defecting. A House of Assembly aspirant and youth leader, Legborsi Yamaabana, announced his exit from the APC, describing the screening process as fundamentally flawed and skewed in favour of Wike’s loyalists.

Delta: Suenu Ibori, Waive, Onoyake , Ereyitomi, Ganagana   win

Member of the House of Representatives representing Ethiope Federal constituency, Rt Hon Erhitake Suenu Ibori,   the member representing Ughelli south/Ughelli North / Udu federal constituency Hon Francis Waive and Hon Thomas Ereyitomi representing Warri federal constituency   won their primaries.

Also   the immediate past Chairman of Uvwie local government area , Hon Ramson Onoyake won in   Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency. Hon Basil Ganagana won in Bomadi / Patani federal constituency, defeating Hon Nicolas Mutu, the longest serving member in the House of Representatives.  

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who spoke in Okpe local government area after casting his vote said he was impressed with the peaceful conduct of the   primaries across the state.

Hon Erhitake who is the daughter of former governor   of the state, Chief James Ibori   expressed gratitude to all her supporters after emerging winner of the   Ethiope Federal constituency.

Bayelsa: Peaceful, orderly exercise

In Bayelsa State, the APC primaries were largely peaceful and orderly across monitored wards.

At Epie wards 1–4 in Yenagoa Local Government Area, party members turned out early, with the process proceeding smoothly. The incumbent lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Oboku Oforji, was leading as at the time of filing this report.

Some members commended the transparency of the exercise, describing it as one of the most peaceful in recent times, although a few expressed disappointment over the absence of inducements.

At Sampou/Kalama Ward 6, Oforji was unanimously endorsed by 2,565 party members, including Governor Douye Diri.

Diri attributed the peaceful conduct to unity within the party, noting that the APC in the state had closed ranks ahead of the general elections.

Similarly, in Ogbia Ward 1, Jude Rex Ogboku emerged as consensus candidate after polling over 3,700 votes.

Cross River: ‘Charade, embarrassment’

In Cross River State, the exercise was marred by protests, with aggrieved aspirants describing the primaries as a “charade” and “embarrassment to democracy.”

Some National Assembly aspirants alleged that results were declared in certain areas without the arrival of electoral materials, in violation of the Electoral Act and party guidelines.

An aspirant for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Godwin Offiono, said he could neither vote nor sight materials in his ward, yet results were announced.

He warned that such practices could undermine the party’s chances in the general elections.

Similarly, Emil Inyang, an aspirant for Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency, rejected the process, insisting no stakeholders’ meeting was held to agree on consensus candidates.

Findings indicated low awareness in several wards, with party members left stranded without officials or materials, raising concerns about the credibility of the exercise.

Edo: Smooth process, clear winners

In Edo State, reports from the 18 local government areas indicated a peaceful exercise, with candidates backed by party leadership emerging.

In Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency, Oladele Bankole-Balogun won with 3,368 votes, defeating Paul Afeghase and Adetutu Owolabi.

Party officials described the process as calm and well-coordinated, with results promptly announced.

In Oredo and Ovia constituencies, Dr. Paddy Iyamu and Omosede Igbinedion respectively emerged as candidates, while in Etsako, Anamero Dakeri was declared winner.

Across states, the APC primaries reflected a mix of dominance by party power blocs, peaceful consensus in some areas, and outright rejection in others—setting the stage for possible post-primary disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The post APC Reps tickets: Protests, violence, disqualifications mar primaries appeared first on Vanguard News.