Politics
Protests as APC Reverses Primary Results, Replaces Candidates’ Lists (Full List)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun uploading the names of its Senate and House of Representatives candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
The exercise is in line with INEC guidelines and has cleared the way for standard-bearers in Ondo, Benue, Kwara and Kogi states, where many aspirants had laid claim to the party’s tickets.
The National Working Committee (NWC), which has the final authority, approved the final list before it was uploaded to the INEC portal.
Some of the cleared candidates confirmed that they received Form EC9 from the commission last night.
House of Representatives members Donald Ojogo (Ilaje-Ese Odo Constituency) and Festus Adefiranye (Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Constituency), who were cleared for re-election, applauded the party for giving them another opportunity to serve.
Among the successful senatorial candidates are Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), Prince Paul Ikonne (Abia South), Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue Northeast), Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), Senator Titus Tartenger (Benue Northwest) and Senator Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo North).
Successful House of Representatives candidates include John Odimayo (Okitipupa/Irele Constituency), Abdulazeez Kaka (Kaduna North), Chief Samuel Okezie (Ukwa East/Ukwa West), Ekumankama Nkama (Afikpo North/Edda), Abubakar Abdullahi (Suleja/Tafa/Mokwa) and Festus Olarewaju (Idanre/Ifedore).
Others are Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye (Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency), Mohammed Mamman (Edu/Patigi/Moro) and Raheem Olawuyi (Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke Ero)
It was learnt last night that meetings to fine-tune the list were still ongoing at the National Secretariat.
However, aggrieved aspirants protested in Ondo State, alleging manipulation and urging the party to redress the perceived injustice.
In a June 29 letter titled “Forwarding of Approved List of Senatorial and House of Representatives Candidates,” signed by National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, the APC said the list emerged from the reports of the Primary Appeal Committees.
It reads: “Following the determination of appeals from the recently concluded primaries, the reports of the Appeal Committees were reviewed and subsequently considered and approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s final position on the affected constituencies.
“In accordance with the Electoral Act (as amended) and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines, we hereby transmit the enclosed list of the approved candidates for the seven senatorial districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies for your records and necessary action.”
Candidates get forms
Candidates who received the Candidate Affidavit Form were advised to complete it carefully before final submission to INEC.
Sources said the party assigned NWC members and designated state party officers to coordinate the distribution of the forms under the supervision of the National Vice Chairmen across the six geopolitical zones.
Under the commission’s strictly enforced timetable, political parties have been granted access codes to the electronic portal to upload the credentials of validly nominated candidates.
Form EC9 is a mandatory statutory requirement, serving as an affidavit of personal particulars that must be sworn to and uploaded to the INEC portal before the close of nominations.
The distribution, which began last Saturday, requires candidates to complete the forms, attach the necessary documentation and return them through the zonal party leaders to the APC ICT Department for final upload to the portal.
Oyo candidates get forms
Candidates for Senate and House of Representatives seats in Oyo State yesterday received their nomination forms in Abuja.
The forms were presented on behalf of Prof. Yilwatda by the Deputy National Auditor, Mr. Olugbenga Olayemi.
The candidates, who received Forms EC13D (Nomination) and EC9 (Affidavit in Support of Candidate’s Personal Particulars), are Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Hon. Remi Oseni (Oyo South) and Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan (Oyo North).
The House of Representatives candidates are Bosun Oladele (Olorunsogo/Irepo/Oorelope), Tajudeen Kareem (Saki West/Saki East/Atisbo), Saheed Adejare Yusuf (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa), Olamiju Alao-Akala (Ogbomosho North/Ogbomosho South/Oriire), and Olusegun Odebunmi (Ogo Oluwa/Surulere).
Others are Akeem Adeyemi (Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West), Tolulope Akande Sadipe (Oluyole), Umar Farouk Alao-Arisekola (Ibadan North), Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo (Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West) and Ola Iyiola (Ibadan South-East/Ibadan North-East).
The rest are Sarafadeen Olaoniye (Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central), Yusuf Asimiyu Osuolale (Ibarapa East/Ido), Olafisoye Akinmoyede (Akinyele/Lagelu), and Akin Alabi (Egbeda/Ona Ara).
It was learnt that the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Ali, and his running mate would receive their forms on Thursday alongside other APC governorship candidates.
Speaking yesterday, Yilwatda told the National Assembly candidates:
“We are here today to present INEC forms to the three senatorial candidates and 14 House of Representatives candidates from Oyo State.
“You will recall that on May 16, the party conducted National Assembly primaries in all the states of the federation.
“After the conduct of the primaries, the NWC looked into the grievances expressed in some states and concluded that the primaries held in Oyo State were free, fair and rancour-free.
“I am here to present the INEC forms to the successful candidates in Oyo State. As the Deputy National Auditor representing Oyo State, I congratulate you and wish you success in the coming elections.”
I will serve with dedication, says Ojogo
Ojogo, who secured a return ticket to represent Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State, reaffirmed his commitment to dedicated service.
In a statement acknowledging his nomination, he said: “The primary election of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the 2027 electoral cycle has been concluded.
“I have, once again, been honoured with the party’s ticket to represent the good people of Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the 11th National Assembly as a ranking member.”
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for the opportunity.
Adefiranye hails Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo
Adefiranye thanked President Tinubu, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and other party leaders, attributing his victory to divine favour and the support of traditional rulers, stakeholders and residents.
He commended party faithful for their commitment and sacrifices, saying their encouragement and prayers played a pivotal role in his victory.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the contributions of his media team, describing their professionalism and dedication as invaluable.
He pledged to consolidate on his achievements and attract more developmental projects if re-elected in 2027.
Adefiranye assured constituents that he would continue to serve with humility, diligence, transparency and integrity.
He added: “This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every one of us. I do not take your confidence, sacrifices and trust for granted.
“Together, we will consolidate on our achievements and continue to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to our people.”
He also pledged to work for the victory of the APC and President Tinubu in the general election and extended an olive branch to other aspirants, saying the time had come for reconciliation and collective action ahead of the 2027 polls.
Group welcomes final list
The Ondo State chapter of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) hailed the final list and congratulated the successful candidates.
The group thanked President Tinubu, the NWC, Tunji-Ojo and other party leaders for upholding the decision of the Appeal Committee.
In a statement by its Director-General, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, GMT said the NWC’s decision was consistent with the APC Constitution and reflected the party’s commitment to justice, internal democracy and peaceful dispute resolution.
The group urged other aspirants and their supporters to remain calm, respect the party’s decision and place the collective interest of the APC above individual ambitions.
It, however, condemned Osamaye for leading a protest against the party, saying she should be familiar with the constitutional powers of the NWC, having served at the APC National Secretariat and in the National Assembly.
GMT also urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to caution his appointees and ensure they respect the decisions and supremacy of the party in the interest of unity and discipline.
Protest in Akure
Supporters of aggrieved aspirants who failed to make the final list yesterday protested in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The protesters, led by the women’s wing of the party, blocked the Ilesha-Akure-Benin Expressway.
They accused the APC national leadership of manipulating the outcome of the primaries by replacing candidates who emerged through a transparent process with preferred aspirants.
Bearing placards with various inscriptions, they demanded the withdrawal of the controversial list.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published the names and personal particulars of presidential candidates who will contest the 2027 general election.
Daily Voice gathered that the list puts the number of presidential candidates at 19, with each candidate accompanied by a nominated running mate.
The publication brings further clarity to the field ahead of the presidential election and places the candidates’ credentials and other personal information before the Nigerian public.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking another term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Vice President Kashim Shettima remains his running mate.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress, ADC. The former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is his running mate.
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is also on the list. Obi is contesting under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
The publication also includes the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which is fielding Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate. Umaru Babangida is listed as his running mate.
African Action Congress, AAC, has Omoyele Sowore as its presidential candidate, with Haruna Garba Magashi as his running mate.
Other candidates include former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, with Buba Musa as his running mate.
The National Democratic Party, NDP, is represented by Ada Elizabeth Frederick Okwori, while Uchenna Anthony Chukwuemeka is listed as her running mate.
The Young Progressives Party, YPP, is fielding Anita Zugwai Chukwu as its presidential candidate, with Egbeola Olawale Mertins as the vice-presidential candidate.
Rufai Adekunle Omoaje is the candidate of the Action Alliance, AA, while Shehu Hussaini is listed as his running mate.
The Boot Party has Sunday Adenuga as its presidential candidate and Usman Turaki Mustapha as his running mate.
Samuel Memeh is contesting under the Democratic Liberty Alliance, DLA, with Alex Balogun as his running mate.
Daniel Danerechukwu Nwanyanwu is the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, presidential candidate. Hassan Khalid is listed as his running mate.
The Labour Party, LP, is fielding Sunday Chibuzor Okereke, with Hajja Bintu Konto as his running mate.
Iken Esther Okereke is the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement, NRM, while Samuel Magdalene Gali is the vice-presidential candidate.
Abbas-Bin Aliyu is contesting under the Action Democratic Party, ADP, with Chinazam Ike as his running mate.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, is represented by Suleiman Mohammed Dikwa, while Abubakar Isah is listed as his running mate.
The Social Democratic Party, SDP, is fielding Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo, with Usman Mohammed Bugaje as his running mate.
Seyi Makinde is listed as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, with Ibrahim Adamu Bala as his running mate.
The Action Peoples Party, APP, has Kabiru Yusuf as its presidential candidate, with Peace Egobia Ofordile as his running mate.
The publication of the candidates’ details followed the requirement for INEC to make the particulars submitted by political parties and their candidates available for public scrutiny.
The documents contain information such as dates of birth, educational qualifications, occupations and other personal details supplied by the candidates.
The exercise gives political parties, candidates and members of the public an opportunity to examine the information submitted to the electoral commission.
It also provides an important reference point ahead of the commencement of the next stage of the electoral process.
According to INEC, the publication of candidates’ particulars is tied to the provisions of the Electoral Act. Section 29(3) requires the commission to publish the personal particulars of nominated candidates after receiving the relevant nomination documents.
Tinubu is seeking to retain the presidency for the APC after winning the 2023 presidential election.
Atiku is returning to the presidential contest on a different platform after leaving the PDP for the ADC coalition.
Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, is also returning to the race under the NDC.
Moreover, the information released by INEC contains qualifications ranging from primary and secondary school certificates to university degrees and higher academic qualifications.
For instance, Tinubu’s submitted particulars include a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University.
Shettima submitted records of his primary and secondary education, as well as degrees in agricultural studies, while Atiku’s documents include his First School Leaving Certificate, West African School Certificate and a master’s degree in International Relations.
Amaechi also submitted details of his academic background, including his university education and legal qualifications.
Obi’s records include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Kwankwaso’s credentials include a Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering from Kaduna Polytechnic and his National Youth Service Corps certificate.
Recall, INEC had earlier fixed the presidential and National Assembly election for February 20, 2027, before subsequent revisions to the electoral timetable.
The commission’s current online election calendar lists January 16, 2027 for the Presidential and House of Assembly election and February 6, 2027 for the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
INEC has also urged political parties, candidates and voters to follow the approved timetable and comply with the rules governing the electoral process.
A former House of Representatives aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Danjuma, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Danjuma, popularly known as Garkuwa Babba, was the ADC aspirant for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency and also served as National Chairman of the ADC House of Representatives Aspirants Forum.
He announced his defection after meeting with Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, Naija News understands.
During the meeting, Danjuma declared his support for the APC and pledged to mobilize his political network and grassroots supporters for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said he would support Governor Yahaya’s senatorial ambition, the APC governorship candidate in the state, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, and other candidates of the party.
Danjuma said his decision to leave the ADC was largely influenced by Yahaya’s leadership, performance and development record in Gombe State.
He praised the governor for what he described as tangible development across the state, saying his achievements had boosted confidence in the APC and reduced the appeal of opposition parties among voters.
According to him, joining the APC was a deliberate move to support continuity, stability and further development in Gombe State.
Receiving Danjuma, Governor Yahaya welcomed his decision to join the APC, describing the development as a major boost for the party.
The governor assured the new APC member and his supporters of an inclusive and united party, stressing the importance of unity, loyalty and collective effort.
Yahaya said the APC remained open to individuals and groups who shared the vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Gombe State.
He added that Danjuma’s political experience, network and grassroots reach would be valuable to the party.
The governor also urged APC members and stakeholders to remain united, saying the strength of the party depended on its ability to accommodate different interests while working towards the development of Gombe State.
“These men and women will carry the ADC banner and our commitment to offer Nigerians credible leadership and a real alternative,” the party said.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released the names of its governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 elections in 28 states
The list, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, includes several prominent politicians and former public officials seeking to contest the poll.
“These men and women will carry the ADC banner and our commitment to offer Nigerians credible leadership and a real alternative,” Mr Abdullahi wrote in a post on X on Friday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the governorship elections for 6 February, 2027. It will hold alongside the state House of Assembly elections.
The remaining eight states hold their governorship elections outside of the regular election season as a result of previous court decisions. The eight states are Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun.
The presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on 16 January, 2027.
ADC governorship candidates
The candidates and their running mates are Kalu Agu and Alozie Darlington (Abia); Modibbo Ribadu and Aguwa Iliya (Adamawa); and Akpanudedehe James and Nsien Tommy (Akwa Ibom); Halliru Jika and Sama’ila Mohammed Kabir (Bauchi); Herman Iorwase Hembe and Abba John Abba (Benue); Babagana Buhari and Mamman Dauda (Borno); Nkoyo Toyo and OkwoChe Andrew Adagbor (Cross River; and Great Ogboru and Afiari Gloria (Delta).
Others are Ukpai Mba Udeh and Onwe Daniel Ede (Ebonyi); Ocho Obodeze Chukwuma and Eze Arinze Christopher (Enugu); Bala Bello and Bala Sani Isa (Gombe); Sabo Mohammed Nakudu and Musa Ya’u Balarabe (Bauchi); and Isa Mohammed Ashiru and Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku (Kaduna).
There are also Ibrahim Ali Amin and Shehu Abdulkadir Bari (Kano); Ahmad Baba Kaita and Aminu Yar’Adua Ahmed (Katsina), Abubakar Malami and Zagi Musa Mohammed (Kebbi); Zakari Mohammed and Olawuyi Julius Olayide (Kwara); Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere (Lagos).
The list also includes Nuhu Angbazo and Ahmed Yusuf (Nasarawa); Mohammed Kpautagi and Musa Mamman (Niger); Biodun Collins Ogundipe and Muraina Oluwaranti Oluyemi (Ogun); Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke and Wahab Adeniyi (Oyo); and John Sunday Sura and Pwajok-Kele Chundung Bitrus (Plateau).
The remaining candidates are Gabriel Pidomson and Okumgba David Amapakaye (Rivers); Manir Mohammad Daniya and Isah Bello Ambarura (Sokoto); Abubakar Umar Tutare and Kwetishe Haruna Kwenyan (Taraba); Kassim G. Gaidam and Kori Lawan Mohammed (Yobe); and Shinkafi Bilyaminu Yusuf and Muhammad Abdulmuddalib Auwal (Zamfara).
ADC performance in off-cycle elections
Since the ADC was adopted as the platform for the opposition coalition in 2025, it has struggled to make a significant impact in the three off-cycle elections held in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections.
In the 2025 Anambra governorship election, APGA’s Chukwuma Soludo was re-elected with 422,664 votes, defeating APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu, who polled 99,445 votes. John Nwosu, the ADC candidate, finished fifth with 8,208 votes, representing about 1.4 per cent of the 584,054 valid votes cast.
In the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, the ADC candidate, Dare Bejide, finished third with 12,872 votes, accounting for about 3.4 per cent of the 375,777 valid votes cast.
In last month’s Osun governorship election, the ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, came third with 1.7 per cent (17,180) of the 985,079 valid votes cast.
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