More than 20 senators and over 50 House members failed to secure return tickets in the just-concluded party primaries.
The two chambers of the National Assembly resumes plenary today after a four-week recess that provided senators and members of the House of Representatives the opportunity to return to their constituencies and participate in party primaries, either to seek re-election or contest for other elective offices.
The outcome of the exercises, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), significantly altered the political fortunes of many lawmakers, with dozens losing return tickets, while others were prevented from contesting due to provisions of the amended Electoral Act.
No fewer than 20 serving senators failed to secure nominations during the APC senatorial primaries. While some lost at the polls, others were disqualified during the screening process.
Among those barred from participating were lawmakers who recently defected from opposition parties and sought APC tickets. They include Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East), Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) and Banigo Ipalibo (Rivers West).
Their disqualification stemmed from the Electoral Act (Amendment) Act, 2026, which introduced stricter rules on party membership and candidate nominations.
The amendment to Section 83 prohibits politicians from changing political parties after membership registers have been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the same election cycle.
Ironically, several lawmakers who supported the anti-defection provision have now found themselves affected by the law they helped enact.
Among them is Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko, who lost the APC ticket to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Former House member Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama defeated Edo South Senator Neda Imasuen, while Kogi East Senator Isah Jibrin lost to Erico Ameh.
In Osun State, Olubiyi Fadeyi lost the Osun Central ticket to Kunle Adegoke. Former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel was displaced in Ogun East by Governor Dapo Abiodun, while Danjuma Goje lost the Gombe Central ticket to retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed.
Similarly, Governor Hope Uzodimma secured the APC ticket for Imo West Senatorial District, effectively ending Senator Osita Izunaso’s bid for another term.
Despite the upsets, several serving senators successfully secured return tickets.
Those affirmed by consensus include Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North-West), Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North) and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central).
Others who secured renomination are Kaka Lawan (Borno Central), Tahir Monguno (Borno North), Ali Ndume (Borno South) and former Senate President Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North).
In Abia North, Orji Kalu won a direct primary contest against Philip Nto.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu secured the APC ticket for Ekiti South, while Cyril Fasuyi retained Ekiti North.
In Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli emerged as the APC governorship candidate, while Abdulfatai Buhari and Yunus Akintunde secured the Oyo North and Oyo Central senatorial tickets, respectively.
Ogun West Senator Adeola Olamilekan also emerged as the APC consensus governorship candidate for Ogun State.
The House of Representatives witnessed even greater political casualties, with more than 50 members reportedly losing their return tickets across several states.
Among the notable casualties is Julius Ihonvbere, majority leader of the House, who failed to secure the APC ticket for Owan Federal Constituency in Edo State after finishing third in the primary election.
Also losing their bids were Nicholas Mutu, who has represented Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State since 1999, and Mike Etaba of Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency in Cross River State.
Yusuf Gagdi, representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, also lost his bid for a third term.
Cross River State recorded one of the highest numbers of serving lawmakers who lost their tickets.
Those affected include Mr Etaba (Obubra/Etung), Alex Egbona (Abi/Yakurr), Godwin Offiono (Ogoja/Yala), Emil Inyang (Akamkpa/Biase) and Bassey Akiba (Odukpani/Calabar Municipality).
In Benue State, six APC members of the House of Representatives, many considered loyalists of Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, failed to secure renomination.
They include Austin Achado (Gwer East/Gwer West), David Ogewu (Oju/Obi), Terseer Ugbor (Kwande/Ushongo), Sekav Iyortyom (Buruku) and Dickson Tarkighir (Makurdi/Guma).
The lawmakers lost to candidates believed to enjoy the backing of Governor Hyacinth Alia, underscoring the continuing political rivalry between the governor and Akume’s camp. However, Mr Akume’s wife, Regina, secured a return ticket.
In Rivers State, Goodhead Boma (Asari-Toru) and Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro) were disqualified by the APC screening committee and will not return to the House.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda is also exiting the House after opting to contest the Rivers governorship election on the APC ticket.
Similarly, Emerengwa Sunday, who sought the APC senatorial ticket, was disqualified during screening and will not return to the Green Chamber.
In Delta State, Ngozi Okolie of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency lost the APC ticket to former House Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu.
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