…Dozens of incumbent Reps members lose primaries, allege manipulation as opposition parties move in
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is staring down a major internal crisis after dozens of serving House of Representatives members failed to secure return tickets in its just-concluded primaries, triggering warnings of a mass defection before the 2027 general elections.
Data compiled from media reports and party sources shows the casualties cut across all geopolitical zones. In the North, incumbents in Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Adamawa and Borno lost out, including Aliyu M. Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau, Kaduna), Abubakar Kusada (Ingawa/Kankia/Kusada, Katsina) and Zainab Gimba (Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge, Borno).
The Middle Belt and South were hit just as hard. In Benue, David Ogewu (Oju/Obi) and Terseer Ugbor (Kwande/Ushongo) were defeated. Ondo and Cross River recorded upsets with Derin Adesida (Akure North/South) and Mike Etaba (Obubra/Etung) losing their tickets. Ogun State saw Abiodun Akinlade (Ipokia/Yewa South) and Tunji Akinosi (Ado-Odo/Ota) miss out, while in the South-East, Miriam O. Onuoha (Onuimo/Okigwe/Isiala Mbano, Imo) was among those ousted.
Aggrieved lawmakers allege opaque processes, imposition of candidates, and disregard for incumbency and grassroots structures.
“What we are seeing is a recipe for a massive exodus,” a senior APC lawmaker said anonymously. “Many colleagues have been loyal, delivered their constituencies, and have strong structures on the ground. They feel betrayed by the party’s machinery. If the leadership doesn’t reconcile this immediately, a mass defection is inevitable.”
Analysts say the loss of experienced legislators could weaken APC’s cohesion and influence in the National Assembly. Opposition parties are reportedly positioning to absorb the aggrieved lawmakers, increasing pressure on APC leadership to initiate reconciliation and avert a fractured front ahead of the polls.
