The correspondence, titled “Forwarding of Approved List of Senatorial and House of Representatives Candidates,” stated that the changes were made following recommendations by the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism after a comprehensive review of the nomination process.

The development is expected to reshape the APC’s National Assembly contests in the affected states as the party moves to resolve disputes arising from its primaries.

“We write to formally forward the attached list of the party’s candidates for the affected senatorial and House of Representatives candidates’ constituencies arising from the report of the Primary Election Appeal Committee,” the letter read in part.

“Following the determination of Appeals from the recently concluded primary elections, the Reports of the Appeal Committee were reviewed and subsequently considered and approved by the NWC of the APC as the party’s final position on the affected constituencies.”

The ruling party further emphasized that the sudden replacements strictly complied with national electoral guidelines.

“In accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and INEC’s regulations and guidelines, we hereby transmit the enclosed list of the approved candidates for seven senatorial districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies for your records and necessary action. Please accept the assurance of our highest regards,” the party leadership added.

A breakdown of the final senatorial list reveals massive upsets. In Benue North East, former Governor Gabriel Suswam was replaced by Emmanuel Memga Udende, while in Benue North West, Titus Tartenger Zam substituted Benjamin T. Aber.

In Ondo State, Gbenga Elegbeleye lost his Ondo North senatorial ticket to Olajide Ipinsagbe, just as Taiwo Fasorati was substituted by Adeniyi Adegbonmire for Ondo Central.

Other high-profile substitutions include Kogi West, where Senator Sunday Karimi replaced Aro Samuel Bamidele; Abia South, where Prince Paul Ikonne replaced Edinburgh Uchenna Erondu; and Taraba North, where Shuibu Isa Lau replaced Mohammed Kabir Bello.

The clean sweep heavily impacted House of Representatives tickets across the federation. In Benue State alone, five victorious candidates were swapped out, including Ikper Chris Terfa (Makurdi/Human), who was replaced by Dickson Tarkighir, and Livinus Tsar Adzor (Vandekiya/Konshsha), replaced by Sesoo Ikpagher.

Ondo State also recorded a high casualty rate, with six federal constituency tickets altered. Notably, Donald Ojogo replaced Akingboye Leke in the Ilaje/Ese-Ode Federal Constituency, and Festus Olarewaju took the place of Rasaq Obe in the Idanre Federal Constituency.

Similar substitutions were executed in Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and Ebonyi states as the APC finalizes its ranks ahead of the general elections.

In a letter addressed to INEC and jointly signed by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, the party said the changes were made following the recommendations of its Primary Election Appeal Committee.

The letter is titled, ‘Forwarding of approved list of senatorial and House of Representatives candidates’.

The letter read: “We write to formally forward the attached list of the party’s candidates for the affected senatorial and House of Representatives constituencies arising from the report of the Primary Election Appeal Committee.

“Following the determination of appeals from the recently concluded primary elections, the reports of the Appeal Committee were reviewed and subsequently considered and approved by the party’s NWC as its final position on the affected constituencies.

“In accordance with the amended Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s regulations and guidelines, we hereby transmit the enclosed list of the approved candidates for seven senatorial districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies for your records and necessary action. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

Meanwhile, Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, his deputy, Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno and Adams Oshiomhole received their Candidate Affidavit Forms (EC9).

Four state governors are among the candidates whose names were uploaded by the APC to the INEC portal. The four governors are AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe who had all been cleared by the party to contest Senate seats.

Also cleared are to contest Senate seats in Kaduna State are former Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Yero, Shehu Sani and Sunday Katung.

Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello secured the party’s ticket for the Kogi Central Senatorial District. He is among the 109 senatorial candidates running on the APC platform.

The uploading of candidates’ particulars, a continuous process, followed the ratification of the results of the April shadow polls and a review of the list in line with the outcome of the Primary Appeal Reports and INEC’S guidelines.

NAN reports that for the House of Representatives, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Mudashiru Obasa and James Faleke are among candidates to fly APC’s flag.

Political parties are expected to upload names and particulars of their presidential and National Assembly candidates on INEC’S nomination portal between 9 a.m from June 27, to 6p.m July 10, when the portal would be closed .

The documents to be uploaded include Form EC9, containing candidates’ personal particulars, and Forms EC9A, EC9B, EC9C, EC9D and EC9E, containing the names and lists of nominated candidates.

The commission had earlier conducted a two-day training for political party officials on the use of its Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP) ahead of the exercise, after which parties were issued access codes.

The training was conducted by officials of the commission’s ICT Department in line with its established practice of ensuring that stakeholders were properly prepared for electoral processes.

Prof. Ibrahim Sani, the acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, had earlier said that candidate nomination was a fundamental stage of the electoral process.

He said the success of any election began with the proper nomination of candidates, adding that political parties must fully understand and comply with the legal and procedural requirements guiding the process.

According to Mr Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, the party received over 700 petitions from aggrieved members on the ongoing process.

He, however said that the party’s priority was for all its candidates to complete their INEC nomination forms and have them uploaded to the commission’s portal.

He said those who emerged as the party’s candidates were being provided with the relevant forms for documentation.

“They are to complete and return the forms to the party for upload to the INEC portal, so, making the list public is not our priority now.

“Although we will eventually release the list, our immediate priority is to ensure that our candidates complete their forms and meet INEC’S deadline.

“This is more important to us than the public release of the candidates’ list. Those who are our candidates have, by now, received their forms.They already know themselves, there is no tension about that,” Morka said.

(NAN)

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.