He alleged that such action means that Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving the office.

“The whole world knows that Gov. Makinde does not believe in local government autonomy, and when it comes to democracy at the grassroots, he cannot be trusted for anything. He has feasted on the resources of the 33 local government councils in the state for over seven years and the people cannot wait for him to leave in May for the third tier of government to regain their freedom.

“The same Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving Agodi Government House and he knows he cannot do this after the conduct of the 2027 general elections, which outcome would strip him of all political power and influence.”

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.

Winners of APC 2026 primaries

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 included Jimi Benson (Ikorodu), Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Ndudi Elumelu (Delta), and Olumide Osoba (Ogun).

Major losses in the APC primaries

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.

State highlights after ruling party primaries

Kaduna: Samaila Abdul Suleiman won convincingly in Kaduna North with 3,049 votes, defeating Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka and Abubakar Mahmoud, but Kaka’s campaign alleged disenfranchisement of supporters

Edo: Ihonvbere’s defeat was linked to a zoning agreement between Owan East and West, with Hon Eseosa Iyawe also losing 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 their tickets, while four lost to new aspirants

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

Okwuwe said:

“This APC government that you see in presidency, in 2027, they are going to regain power. I repeat it: they are going to regain power.” 

Meanwhile, Obi has said his political ambition is driven not by a desire to occupy Nigeria’s highest office, but by his determination to see the country work for its citizens. The former Labour Party presidential candidate spoke during an interview on the Nevon HQ podcast hosted by journalist and media personality Rufai Oseni.

Obi said he is more concerned about fixing Nigeria’s challenges than pursuing power for his own sake.

Vanguard, on Tuesday, June 16, quoted the NDC chieftain as saying: “I am not desperate to be president of Nigeria. I am desperate to see Nigeria work.”

He added:

“I am desperate to see young people have a means of livelihood. I am desperate to see people stop stealing public money. I am desperate to see Nigeria work.”