APC Primaries: Incumbency Holds, But Cracks Emerge in Nigeria’s Ruling Party
The Report
As reported by Legit.ng, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its House of Representatives primaries across Nigeria, held on May 17, 2026. The exercise produced a clear list of winners and losers, with high turnout reported in many states. While largely peaceful, protests and disputes were noted in Kaduna, Osun, and Jos South over alleged manipulation of the process.
Key winners include Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen (returned unopposed in Zaria); Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa (unopposed in Agege); House Finance Committee Chairman James Faleke (Ikeja/Ojodu); and Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who secured his first ticket in Katsina. Other notable winners include Jimi Benson (Ikorodu), Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Ndudi Elumelu (Delta), and Olumide Osoba (Ogun).
“In Lagos, Obasa expressed gratitude for the ‘overwhelming show of love, support, and solidarity’ from his constituents. Meanwhile, Yusuf Buhari described his victory as a ‘stepping stone toward greater representation and development for our constituency.'”
However, the primaries also saw significant defeats. House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere lost his bid for a third term in Edo, a loss linked to a zoning agreement between Owan East and West. 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. In Kaduna, Samaila Abdul Suleiman won convincingly in Kaduna North with 3,049 votes, but his opponent’s campaign alleged disenfranchisement of supporters.
Source: Twitter
WANA Regional Analysis
The outcome of the APC House of Representatives primaries offers a revealing snapshot of the internal power dynamics within Nigeria’s ruling party as it gears up for the 2027 general elections. The victories of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu were expected, underscoring the party leadership’s ability to consolidate control over the legislative agenda. Their unopposed returns signal a strategic decision to maintain continuity at the top of the Green Chamber, a move that will likely shape the legislative priorities of the next parliament.
Against this backdrop, the defeat of House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere is a significant development. Ihonvbere, a key figure in the party’s legislative machinery, lost his bid for a third term due to a zoning agreement in Edo State. This highlights a recurring tension in Nigerian politics: the conflict between individual political ambition and the communal or regional agreements that often govern ticket allocations. For the APC, this loss could weaken the party’s coordination in the House, particularly if Ihonvbere’s experience is not replaced by a similarly skilled operator.
The broader implications for the ECOWAS region suggest that the APC is attempting to balance the demands of incumbency with the need for renewal. The retention of five incumbents in Jigawa State, contrasted with the loss of four others to new aspirants, indicates a party that is not monolithic. Local power brokers and state governors continue to exert significant influence over candidate selection, a factor that can both strengthen grassroots ties and create internal friction.
The protests in Kaduna, Osun, and Jos South over alleged manipulation are a warning sign. While the APC has historically managed internal disputes through negotiation and patronage, the scale of these complaints—particularly the accusation of deliberately withholding election materials from strongholds—suggests that the party’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms may be under strain. If these disputes are not resolved before the general elections, they could lead to defections or voter apathy, potentially benefiting opposition parties.
Finally, the emergence of Yusuf Buhari as a first-time candidate in Katsina is a notable development. While his victory is partly attributable to his father’s legacy, it also reflects the APC’s strategy of leveraging family names to maintain electoral appeal in the North-West. However, this approach carries risks: it may alienate other aspirants who feel the party is becoming a vehicle for dynastic politics, a criticism that has dogged Nigerian politics for decades.
In summary, the APC primaries have reaffirmed the power of incumbency and party leadership, but the cracks—manifested in high-profile defeats and localized protests—suggest that the road to 2027 will not be without internal turbulence. The party’s ability to manage these fractures will be a key determinant of its electoral performance.
Original Reporting By: Legit.ng