APC Primaries: Why Sitting Senators Lost Their Reelection Tickets

Several sitting APC senators lost their party primaries, failing to secure the nomination for re-election, and as a result, will not be returning to the Nigerian Senate in 2027, marking a setback for incumbency within the ruling party.

For years, being an incumbent almost guaranteed a new ticket, but the recent APC primaries have shown that experience alone wasn’t enough.

Strong challengers, internal party decisions, and support from state governors decided who stayed and who was left out, showing just how unpredictable politics can be.

Senators Defeated at the Polls

Sen. Ned Nwoko – Delta North Senatorial District

One of the most high-profile upsets came in Delta North, where Senator Ned Nwoko, a seasoned politician, lost his APC primary to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, ending his bid to return to the Senate.

Sen. Neda Imasuen – Edo South Senatorial District

In Edo South, Senator Neda Imasuen was defeated by Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former House of Representatives member, marking a significant loss for an incumbent.

Sen. Jibrin Isah (Echocho) – Kogi East Senatorial District

Perhaps the most dramatic defeat was that of Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho. He reportedly lost his ward and did not secure a single vote, a clear indication of how the tide turned against him in his own stronghold.

Senators Barred from Contesting

In addition to those defeated, some sitting senators were disqualified from participating in the primaries, effectively ending their chances to defend their seats:

Sen. Ipalibo Banigo — Rivers West

Sen. Benson Agadaga — Bayelsa East

Sen. Usman Wowo — FCT

Sen. Garba Mai Doki — Kebbi South

Why Incumbency Failed

Many sitting APC senators lost their tickets because being an incumbent no longer guarantees a win. Several reasons explain why:

Strict Screening and Party Politics: The APC committees were very strict about who could run. Senators who were not aligned with powerful factions or seen as vulnerable were sometimes disqualified. The party often favoured candidates who had strong alliances or could support a governor’s plans.

Strong Opponents: Many incumbents faced challengers who were well-prepared, had enough money, and strong local support. Some challengers also had the backing of influential leaders or former governors, which made it hard for sitting senators to win just because of their past record.

Governor Influence: State governors have a lot of control over party members and delegates. Their support can make or break a candidate. In many states, governors backed challengers or did not support incumbents, making it very hard for incumbents to keep their seats.

Changing Voter and Party Mood: Party members and voters are now looking for fresh faces and new ideas. Senators who seemed disconnected from local issues or tied to unpopular groups lost support, showing that experience alone is no longer enough.

What Comes Next

Some senators did retain their tickets, including party leaders like Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who ran unopposed or won their primaries.

However, the sheer number of incumbents losing their tickets highlights a clear message: holding office is no longer enough to guarantee a return. In Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, internal party support, strategic alliances, and state-level influence now play a bigger role than ever.