Nigeria’s political atmosphere is already heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections as the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), conducted its House of Representatives primary elections across several states on Saturday.
From intense political battles to consensus arrangements, delayed voting, parallel exercises, and high-profile victories, the APC primaries have once again revealed the deep political structure and influence the ruling party continues to command nationwide.
While official declarations are still ongoing in several constituencies, confirmed winners and strong emerging contenders have already begun to shape conversations around the next electoral cycle.
Ekiti APC Primary: Akin Rotimi Jr. Floors Rivals
One of the biggest confirmed victories came from Ekiti State, where incumbent federal lawmaker Akin Rotimi Jr. secured the APC ticket for the Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency.
Rotimi reportedly dominated the exercise by winning 22 out of 24 wards, defeating former House of Representatives member Bimbo Daramola and other aspirants in a decisive contest.
Political observers described the outcome as a major show of grassroots dominance and organizational strength within the constituency.
Kogi Contest Draws Attention as Salman Idris Emerges Winner
In Kogi State, Salman Idris emerged victorious in the APC primary election for Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
He defeated Toyin Omole in what many party stakeholders considered one of the most competitive and closely monitored contests in the state.
The outcome has reportedly generated fresh political realignments within the APC structure in Kogi ahead of the main elections.
Jamila Mani Records Strong Victory in Katsina
In Katsina State, Jamila Mani secured victory in the APC House of Representatives primary for Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency.
According to reports from the exercise, she polled an impressive 24,989 votes to defeat rival aspirant Ahmed Saleh.
Her emergence has continued to generate reactions across northern political circles, with supporters describing it as another indication of increasing female participation in Nigerian politics.
Lagos APC Primaries Witness Delays, Tension and Big Names Leading
In Lagos State, results were still being collated across several constituencies as of Saturday evening, but a number of influential APC figures were reportedly maintaining strong leads or expected to retain their tickets.
Among the major political names being closely watched are:
James Faleke
Kafilat Ogbara
Mudashiru Obasa
However, the exercise was not without controversy, as some constituencies reportedly experienced delays, disputes over delegate accreditation, and internal disagreements among party factions.
Political analysts say Lagos remains one of the most strategic battlegrounds within the APC due to its influence on national party direction and electoral financing.
Benue Records Fierce Competition Among Aspirants
Benue State witnessed one of the most intense primary exercises nationwide, with more than 81 aspirants contesting for 11 House of Representatives tickets.
The Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency reportedly produced the fiercest battle, with as many as 14 aspirants battling for a single APC ticket.
Vote counting and collation continued late into the evening across several constituencies in the state.
Rivers APC Factions Conduct Parallel Primaries
In Rivers State, reports indicated that some APC-aligned factions conducted parallel primary elections in parts of the state amid lingering internal divisions.
There were also claims that several aspirants allegedly loyal to Siminalayi Fubara were screened out before the commencement of the exercise, further fueling political tension within the state’s power blocs.
The development has once again highlighted the lingering crisis within the APC structure in Rivers State.
Imo APC Leaders Push Consensus to Avoid Crisis
In Imo State, party leaders reportedly adopted consensus arrangements in some constituencies as part of efforts to prevent post-primary disputes and litigation.
Although final official winners were still being awaited in several areas, insiders within the party described the strategy as a move aimed at preserving unity ahead of the general election campaign season.
Oyo APC Exercise Described as Peaceful Despite Tension
In Oyo State, results were still trickling in across the state’s 14 federal constituencies as collation continued Saturday night.
Party officials reportedly described the process as generally peaceful, despite tension and heightened political activities in some local government areas.
The outcome of the Oyo primaries is expected to significantly influence political alignments ahead of the governorship and National Assembly elections in 2027.
APC Shifts Primaries Amid Internal Disagreements
Earlier in the week, the APC leadership moved the House of Representatives primaries from Friday to Saturday following widespread disagreements over consensus candidates, logistics, and internal negotiations.
Several states eventually abandoned consensus arrangements and adopted direct primaries after protests from party aspirants and supporters who demanded open contests.
Powerful APC Figures Under National Watch
Across the country, several influential APC powerbrokers are either directly contesting or backing major House of Representatives races.
Some of the most closely watched figures include:
Abbas Tajudeen
Julius Ihonvbere
James Faleke
Mudashiru Obasa
With more official declarations expected before the end of the night, Nigeria’s political space is already witnessing early signs of what could become one of the most fiercely contested electoral cycles in recent history.
For the opposition parties watching from the sidelines, the APC primaries have once again demonstrated the scale, structure, and political machinery they may be up against in 2027.
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