APC Senate Primaries: Daniel, Amosun, Rochas Lose as Abiodun, Uzodimma, Yahaya Bello Emerge Victorious

The All Progressives Congress senatorial primaries for the 2027 elections witnessed major upsets, political realignments, and consensus victories across the country on Monday.
Several prominent politicians, including former governors and influential party leaders, either lost out, withdrew from the race, or emerged through consensus arrangements during the exercise.
In Ogun State, former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun stayed away from the primaries, while Governor Dapo Abiodun secured victory in Ogun East. Senator Shuaib Salisu won Ogun Central, while Jimoh Ojugbele emerged in Ogun West through a consensus arrangement.
In Imo West, Governor Hope Uzodimma defeated former governor Rochas Okorocha with a landslide margin, polling 230,464 votes against Okorocha’s 1,098.
Former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello also staged a strong political comeback after winning the APC ticket for Kogi Central with 72,399 votes.
In Delta State, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa defeated Senator Ned Nwoko in Delta North, while Senator Ede Dafinone beat former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege in Delta Central.
Several APC heavyweights emerged unopposed or through consensus, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
In Lagos, all three incumbent senators — Tokunbo Abiru, Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni and Idiat Adebule — retained their tickets through consensus.
The primaries also recorded controversies and protests in some states. In Edo South, rival factions declared different winners, while Senator Neda Imasuen rejected the process, alleging manipulation.
In Rivers State, Senator Ipalibo Banigo protested her disqualification from the primaries, describing it as unfair and an injustice against women.
Before the exercise, the APC screening committee disqualified 44 aspirants nationwide, triggering outrage and confusion within the party. Among those initially listed as “not cleared” was former senator Ben Murray-Bruce, although his name was later removed from an updated list released by the party without explanation.
Despite controversies in some areas, APC leaders in several states described the primaries as peaceful, orderly, and transparent ahead of the 2027 general elections.