The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified 47 aspirants from taking part in its senatorial primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, in a sweeping decision that affects candidates across several states of the federation.
The party announced the development in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who said the decision followed the conclusion of its screening exercise conducted by designated committees.
According to the statement, the screening process was carried out in line with established party rules and nomination guidelines designed to regulate participation in the primaries.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) hereby releases the list of Senatorial aspirants not cleared to participate in the Party’s Senate Primary Elections,” the statement read.
It added that the exercise was conducted by screening committees “in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.”
Among those affected are three serving senators. They include Benson Agadaga, representing Bayelsa East; Garba Maidoki, representing Kebbi South; and Banigo Ipalibo, representing Rivers West.
Also disqualified is former senator and media entrepreneur Ben Murray-Bruce, who contested for Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
Former senator Usman Wowo of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was equally barred from participating in the contest.
The list included several high-profile political figures and former public office holders.
They include former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Tamunobaabo Danagogo; former APC presidential aspirant, Jack-Rich Tein; and former Director of Energy Security in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ojukaye Amachree.
In Oyo State, the affected aspirants included Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega, Kolapoboye Kola Daisi, and Ademola Wasiu Alli, all of whom were also not cleared for the party’s senatorial race.
The disqualification list spans a wide range of states, including Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, the Federal Capital Territory, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara, reflecting the nationwide scope of the screening outcome.
However, the APC did not provide specific reasons for the disqualification of the affected aspirants, leaving room for speculation over the criteria used in the screening process.
The party has scheduled its senatorial primary elections for May 18 as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, where it is expected to finalize its list of candidates for legislative contests across the country.
