The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully concluded its House of Representatives primaries across Nigeria, setting the stage for next year’s general elections.

The exercise, held on May 17, 2026, drew significant attention as both seasoned lawmakers and fresh aspirants battled for tickets to represent their constituencies in the Green Chamber.

According to The Nation, with high turnout reported in many states, the primaries showcased the party’s internal dynamics and the balance between continuity and change.

At the national level, prominent figures such as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa secured their tickets with relative ease.

Their victories reaffirmed their strong influence within the party and their constituencies.

Meanwhile, James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, also clinched his ticket, while Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, emerged as a first-time candidate in Katsina.

– Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was returned unopposed in Zaria.

– Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, also secured his ticket

– Mudasiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, won unopposed in Agege.

– James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, clinched victory in Ikeja/Ojodu.

– Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, won in Katsina, marking his first entry into the Green Chamber.

Other notable winners include Jimi Benson (Ikorodu), Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Ndudi Elumelu (Delta), and Olumide Osoba (Ogun).

– House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere lost his bid for a third term in Edo.

– Four sitting members from Imo State — Matthew Nwogu, Miriam Onuoha, Harrison Nwadike, and Emeka Chinedu — failed to secure return tickets.

– Popular businessman Cubana Chief Priest also lost his bid.

– Kaduna: Samaila Abdul Suleiman won convincingly in Kaduna North with 3,049 votes, defeating Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka and Abubakar Mahmoud.

However, Kaka’s campaign alleged disenfranchisement of supporters.

– Edo: Ihonvbere’s defeat was linked to a zoning agreement between Owan East and West. Hon Eseosa Iyawe also lost in Oredo.

– Delta: Ndudi Elumelu secured Aniocha/Oshimili, while Erhiatake Ibori won Ethiope.

– Ogun: Olumide Osoba emerged for Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda.

– Kogi: Leke Abejide, formerly of ADC, won unopposed in Yagba.

– Plateau: Yusuf Gagdi was endorsed for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam.

– Jigawa: Five incumbents retained tickets, while four lost to new aspirants.

– Ekiti: HoR spokesman Akintunde Rotimi won in Ekiti North I, defeating five rivals.

Governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed reports claiming he had defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he remains a member of the ruling party.

The governor spoke amid growing speculation and social media reports alleging that he had dumped the APC for another political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Reacting to the rumours, Fubara said there had been “a lot of drama” in the media over his political affiliation, stressing that nothing had changed regarding his membership of the party.

“I know that there’s been a lot of drama in the media, one story and another,” the governor said.

I remain a member of the Congress and nothing has changed. People should stop using whatever situation that they pick up from the social media or their own interpretation of any situation to present me wrongly.” Fubara further declared that he had not joined any other political party despite the speculation surrounding his political future, Nigeria Affairs reported. “I have not gone anywhere. I’m still a member of the Progressive Congress, and I remain a member,” he stated.

The Rivers governor also urged political supporters and stakeholders to prioritise the overall interest of the APC, regardless of ongoing political tensions in the state.

“Whatever happens, what is most important is supporting the overall interest of the party,” he added. The clarification comes amid heightened political realignments and permutations ahead of the 2027 elections, with several reports linking prominent political figures to possible defections across party lines.

Chaos erupted at the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary for Ward 10, Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Saturday.

Electoral officials halted the process and declared it inconclusive after violence broke out among party supporters.

The primary pitted Olushola Fatoba against Tope Ogunleye, widely known as RST. Loyalists and agents of both aspirants had converged on Fajuyi Pavilion before voting was scheduled to begin.

According to eyewitnesses, tensions rose when suspected thugs allegedly backing Fatoba stormed the venue wielding canes and firearms. Their arrival appeared aimed at intimidating Ogunleye’s supporters and suppressing turnout.

Despite the hostile atmosphere, Ogunleye’s backers held their ground, chanting solidarity songs in support of their candidate. Voting eventually started under heavy tension.

Observers at the scene said Ogunleye seemed to have the larger share of support among members present, with his base visibly outnumbering the opposition.

Violence broke out after Fatoba’s camp allegedly sensed an imminent loss. Clashes between both groups forced an abrupt end to voting.

During the unrest, Ogunleye’s agent, Mr. Sunday, was assaulted. Another member, Mr. Femi Ogunleye, was reportedly beaten and his Tecno Spark 9 phone seized. A female supporter, Mrs. Oluwaseun Osamuwa, was also attacked and her Apple Smart Wrist Watch stolen. Both Mr. Femi Ogunleye and Mrs. Osamuwa sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital.

As of press time, no winner had emerged and the Ward 10 primary remained inconclusive.

The violence has renewed concerns over thuggery and intimidation in internal party elections. Party members and political observers say the incident raises serious questions about voters’ ability to freely choose candidates without fear.

Stakeholders are calling on security agencies and electoral authorities to probe the disruption, ensure justice for those attacked, and safeguard the credibility of future primaries.