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25 APC gov candidates emerge as Kwara, Bauchi suffer delay

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The inability of the All Progressives Congress leadership to secure a consensus arrangement forced the postponement of the party’s governorship primaries in Kwara, Bauchi and the state assembly primaries in two constituencies in Zamfara.

Also in Nasarawa, late arrival of electoral materials forced voters back to their homes with the process expected to be completed on Friday (today).

This comes as the ruling party constituted key election management structures for its 2026 presidential primary, appointing a committee chaired by former Senate President, Pius Anyim, along with a separate  appeal panel led by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari.

In Thursday’s primaries, while incumbent governors and consensus-backed candidates coasted to victory in 25 states including Ogun, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Delta, Enugu and Rivers, the exercises in Kwara, Bauchi and Zamfara (state assembly) were thrown into uncertainty after the APC National Working Committee postponed the contests amid rising tensions.

APC governorship candidates were also selected in Oyo, Benue, Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Niger, Borno, Ebonyi, Abia, Jigawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Plateau, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Lagos and Kano. Primaries were not conducted in Kogi, Edo, Bayelsa, Anambra, Imo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo, as those seven states have off‑cycle election schedules.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announced that the governorship primaries in Kwara and Bauchi states earlier scheduled for Thursday had been shifted to Friday (today), while the State House of Assembly primaries for Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies in Zamfara were rescheduled for Sunday, May 24.

Morka said the postponement followed consultations with stakeholders and was aimed at ensuring “transparent, orderly, peaceful and credible primary election process.”

“The All Progressives Congress hereby announces the rescheduling of the governorship primary elections in Bauchi and Kwara States to Friday, May 22, 2026,” the statement read.

“Similarly, the party has approved the rescheduling of the State House of Assembly primary elections for Maradun I and Maradun II Constituencies in Zamfara State to Sunday, May 24, 2026.

“The decision was approved by the National Working Committee following consultations with relevant stakeholders and in furtherance of the party’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, orderly, peaceful and credible primary election process.”

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But despite the official explanation, the postponements immediately fuelled suspicions within party ranks, particularly in Kwara and Bauchi, where supporters openly accused influential figures of attempting to manipulate the process in favour of preferred aspirants.

Kwara aspirants

In Kwara State, the postponement deepened political uncertainty as intense behind-the-scenes negotiations unfolded around Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred successor, Amb Yahaya Seriki.

Barely hours after the postponement was announced, no fewer than eight governorship aspirants stepped down for Seriki following what party insiders described as strategic consultations designed to preserve party unity and ensure continuity of the AbdulRazaq administration.

Those who withdrew included Prof. Wale Sulaiman, Dr Mohammed Bio, Dr Toyin Alabi, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Captain Ahmad Mahmoud, Hajia Aisha Patigi, Dr Salako Oluwatoyin and Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

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Sources familiar with the Wednesday night meeting said the aspirants resolved to support Seriki “in the interest of unity and continuity.”

The meeting reportedly ended with renewed commitments to “party cohesion, issue-based engagement and a peaceful primary process.”

Outrage in Rivers

In Rivers State, political tensions escalated after Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the APC governorship race on Wednesday night, citing “peace and unity” in the state.

But rather than calm tensions, the withdrawal triggered outrage among several supporters and political associates who accused powerful interests within the APC of cornering the governor politically.

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Oborevwori secures ticket

In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori emerged as the APC governorship candidate after polling 345,375 votes in a peaceful direct primary conducted across the state.

Mbah victorious

In Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah clinched the APC governorship ticket as party members turned out massively across the state’s 260 wards.

Speaking at Owo Ward in Nkanu East Local Government Area, federal lawmaker Nnolim Nnaji praised Mbah’s performance.

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“It is not enough to get power. What you use the power for matters more. But Peter Mbah is called The Rock because of how he is using power to do mighty things,” he said.

Mbah himself described the exercise as proof of healthy internal democracy.

“It happened because our people are smart. Our people are wise and they know what is good when they see one,” he stated.

In Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli expressed confidence in emerging as the party’s governorship candidate and urged party members to unite behind whoever eventually emerges.

In Ogun State, consensus candidate Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, dismissed reports of aggrieved aspirants.

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“The decision to present me as the consensus candidate was not foisted on the party,” he said.

In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris secured unanimous endorsement from delegates across all 225 wards.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also secured affirmation in Katsina State through a voice vote involving 1,805 delegates and supporters.

In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani secured 459,393 affirmation votes.

“We have made significant progress in restoring peace, strengthening unity and expanding development across Kaduna State,” Sani declared after the exercise.

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Adamawa, Abia withdrawals

In Adamawa State, former APC National Vice Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, alongside governorship aspirants Diaulhaq Abubakar and Ibrahim Thul, withdrew from the race in support of Ahmed Galadima.

Similarly, in Abia State, Chief Mascot Uzor-Kalu withdrew from the governorship race, citing equity and zoning considerations.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, emerged winner of the APC governorship primary election in the state.

Pantami, Alkali lose

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In Gombe State, APC governorship primaries produced one of the biggest surprises of the exercise as Jamilu Gwamna defeated former ministers Isa Pantami and Said Alkali.

Gwamna polled 247,161 votes while Pantami secured 12,120 votes and Alkali scored 11,612 votes.

 

 

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Politics

2027: Adeola wins Ogun APC governorship ticket

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Senator Solomon Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State after polling 304,055 votes to defeat Abayomi Hunye, who scored zero.

The Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee for Ogun State, Mr Wale Ohu, announced the result at the party secretariat in Abeokuta on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that returning officers from the 20 local government areas had earlier announced results from each LGA.

There were 343,292 registered voters and 305,287 accredited voters, while Adeola, also known as Yayi, polled 304,055 votes to emerge winner.

Ohu said, “There were two contestants. Sen. Solomon Adeola scored 304,055 votes while Mr Abayomi Hunye polled zero.”

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Adeola pledged to consolidate the achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun and sustain unity within the APC if elected in 2027.

He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for ensuring a peaceful and seamless primary, which he described as unprecedented.

“I never imagined the exercise would be this peaceful. I thought it was the usual primaries where people struggle and fight. God on our side,” Adeola said.

According to him, Ogun is witnessing its first peaceful transition arrangement in 15 years ahead of the 2027 succession.

Adeola said: “By the grace of God, on May 29, 2027, I will be sitting side by side with you for a smooth transition of government.”

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The senator assured Ogun residents that he would sustain development and advance the state’s progress.

Adeola also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support and mentorship throughout his political career.

He described the President as a father, leader, and role model, noting 24 years of political growth.

Governor Abiodun said Adeola’s emergence validated the confidence reposed in him by party members across the state.

He hailed the peaceful primary as a historic first in the state’s 50-year history.

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The governor noted that it was the first time an outgoing governor openly unveiled a successor ahead of an election in a transparent, rancour-free manner. (NAN)

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ADC Primaries: David Olofu Campaign Alleges Snatching of Electoral Materials in Apa/Agatu

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The Campaign Council of David Olofu has condemned the alleged snatching and diversion of electoral materials meant for the African Democratic Congress primary election in the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency of Benue State.
In a press release issued on Thursday and signed by the council’s secretary, Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah, the campaign alleged that armed thugs intercepted a vehicle conveying sensitive electoral materials alongside the Apa Local Government ADC Chairman, Hon. Sharon Adokpe.
According to the statement, the attackers allegedly forced the party chairman out of the moving vehicle before fleeing with the electoral materials to an unknown destination.
The council maintained that, owing to the disruption, no valid primary election took place in the constituency.
“The David Olofu Campaign Council strongly condemns the alleged forceful snatching and diversion of electoral materials intended for the African Democratic Congress primaries in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency,” the statement read.
The campaign further called on the state and national leadership of the African Democratic Congress to reject any result that may emerge from what it described as a compromised process.
It also appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to launch an immediate investigation into the incident, arrest those responsible, and prevent the validation of any alleged fraudulent result.
In addition, the council demanded the disqualification of any aspirant who may benefit from the disputed process, insisting that those involved should face prosecution to preserve the integrity of the party’s internal democratic process.
The statement reaffirmed the campaign’s commitment to a free, fair, and transparent primary election and vowed to pursue lawful means to ensure justice is served.

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Nweke Emerges PDP Candidate for Enugu East Senatorial Election

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By Chinedu Adonu

A young politician, Kingsley Chizoba Nweke, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Enugu East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 senatorial election in Enugu State.

The direct primary election was held on Wednesday at Nkwo Market Square, Ishi-Ozalla, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.

Nweke emerged victorious after polling 42,341 votes out of the 43,441 accredited voters who participated in the party’s senatorial primary election.

His emergence followed the conclusion of the PDP nomination process in the state, with party stakeholders expressing confidence in his ability to lead the party to victory in the forthcoming election.

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Announcing the result at the venue, Chairman of the PDP Senatorial Primary Election Committee in Enugu State, John Chikezie Nnam, said a total of 43,441 voters were accredited, while Nweke secured 42,341 votes to emerge winner.

Speaking with journalists, Chairman of the National Senatorial Electoral Primary Committee of the PDP, Prince Marshall Okafor, commended the conduct of the exercise, describing it as free and fair. He noted that the large turnout of party faithful reflected Nweke’s popularity and acceptance among the people.

Also speaking, the Enugu State PDP Chairman, Vitus Okechi, applauded the peaceful conduct of the election and the massive turnout of voters.

According to him, the development showed that the people of Enugu East still believe in and support the PDP and its candidate. Okechi further dismissed claims of factionalisation within the PDP, insisting that the party remained united at both the national and state levels.

“PDP will capture Enugu and Lion Building again. I am the Enugu State chairman and we have a national chairman, so disregard any information suggesting that PDP has factions. We are one,” he said.

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Reacting to his victory, Nweke thanked party members and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to provide effective representation and accelerate development across the Enugu East Senatorial District if elected in 2027.

He also promised to maintain close communication with constituents and educate them on how to demand accountability from elected representatives.

“This is the time to give our people what rightfully belongs to them. Road infrastructure and hospitals are the rights of the people and should not be campaign promises. That era has passed. It is time for our people to understand their political rights and make the right choices in leadership.

“My administration will prioritise road infrastructure and healthcare as fundamental rights of citizens, while also setting up committees to educate constituents on how to demand accountability from their representatives,” he said.

Nweke also called for unity among party faithful ahead of the general election.

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The primary election witnessed a large turnout of voters across the senatorial zone.

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163 Anambra APGA Aspirants Consider Consensus Ahead Of Saturday Primaries

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Ahead of the primary elections for the State and National Assembly primary elections of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) in Anambra state,the 163 aspirants are said to be brain storming over opting for consensus candidates .

Shortly after the list of cleared aspirants were released totalling 155, the party later cleared six more aspirants for the three legislative levels bringing the number to 163.

Currently 109 aspirants are for the state Assembly, 44 aspirants are for the Federal House of Representatives and 10 aspirants for Senate.

For the state house of Assembly primary election, it is being feared that 43 out of the 109 aspirants may step down for preferred candidates in a meeting of of all the aspirants.

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Though it is not clear about that of the Federal House of Representatives, a close source to the party said that some of the 42 aspirants have been meeting to decide who gets the tickets of the party with a provisour that the successful aspirants would only go for one term .

However that of the Senatorial primary election has no indications of aspirants agreeing on consensusas they have resolved to battle it at the primary election.

When contacted the National Publicity Secretary of the party Mazi Ejimofor Opara said that the party is not aware of such moves adding that non of the aspirants have informed the party about consensus.

Opara however said that consensus is part of the provisions of the Electoral Act adding that the party welcomes such moves if it is possible for the aspirants to meet and agree.

“We to the best of the knowledge of our great party , there is no such information with us but there is nothing wrong in consensus because it is enshrined in the Electoral Act”

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“If that is made possible the party needs to be informed early enough for us to be abresed with what the aspirants and doing” he said .

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Fubara Bows To Pressure, Withdraws From APC Governorship Primaries

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, citing the need for peace, unity, and collective interest over personal ambition.

In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries”, personally signed on Wednesday night, Fubara said the decision followed deep reflection and consultations with family, friends, and associates.

He confirmed that he would support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, stressing that leadership requires sacrifice and prioritisation of the greater good.

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” he said.

The governor described his withdrawal as a painful but necessary step, noting that Rivers State must remain above individual ambitions.

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“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” he added.

Fubara also expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout his political journey, acknowledging the disappointment the decision may cause.

“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain,” he stated.

He further explained that his silence in recent times was intentional and guided by what he described as the higher interest of the state.

“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people,” he said.

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Using a local proverb, the governor hinted at pressures behind the scenes without giving details.

“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose,” he noted.

Fubara also thanked the All Progressives Congress for the platform provided and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support.

“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together,” he added.

He insisted that his withdrawal was not an act of weakness or surrender but a deliberate sacrifice for the stability of the state.

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“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers State gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers State till the end of my term,” he said.

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