APC Primaries Shock: Several Serving Senators Lose Tickets as Anti-Defection Law Backfires.

In a dramatic turn of events during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries for the 2027 elections, several high-profile incumbent senators have been shown the exit door, with the party's own anti-defection rules coming back to bite some of its architects.

Among the big names who fell is Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, who was convincingly defeated by former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. In Edo South, Senator Neda Imasuen lost to former House member Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, while Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho) was beaten by Dr. Erico Ameh in Kogi East.

Some senators didn't even make it to the primaries, as they were disqualified during screening. This includes Senators Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West), Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East), and Abdulhamid Madori (Jigawa North West). Banigo, a serving female senator, has strongly criticized her disqualification, calling for fairness and greater gender inclusion in politics.

The irony is hard to miss. Earlier this year, the APC-dominated National Assembly strengthened anti defection clauses in the Electoral Act 2026 to prevent last minute party switching a move inspired by Peter Obi's 2023 surprise run. Many believed it would only hurt the opposition, but yesterday's results proved otherwise.

Not all incumbents lost out. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and former Senate President Ahmad Lawan were among those who comfortably secured return tickets through consensus or strong wins. In Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu cruised to victory, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma crushed former Governor Rochas Okorocha in the Orlu Zone primary.

The primaries were not without drama. Violence marred the process in Ondo State, with reports of thugs disrupting voting, shooting, and intimidating supporters. Aspirants cried foul, alleging bias and calling for cancellation of the results. In contrast, Lagos APC had smooth, rancour free consensus endorsements for its incumbent senators.

Other states like Osun, Ekiti, and Ogun also saw a mix of contests, affirmations, and tensions. In some places, recent defectors to APC struggled to win tickets, highlighting the challenges of integrating new members.

Overall, the primaries have exposed deep cracks within the APC, with allegations of manipulation, godfatherism, and internal supremacy battles already heating up the political atmosphere ahead of 2027.