APC Screens Out Ben Murray-Bruce, 46 Others Ahead of Senate Primaries

The All Progressives Congress has released a list of 47 Senate hopefuls who did not pass its screening before the party’s senatorial primaries. Former Bayelsa East senator Ben Murray-Bruce is one of the most notable names included.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka shared the list on Monday. The party said its screening committees checked all aspirants according to party rules and procedures. It did not give reasons for any of the disqualifications.

Ben Murray-Bruce and the Bayelsa Exclusions

Murray-Bruce wanted to return to the National Assembly as the APC candidate for Bayelsa East, but he did not pass the screening. Another Bayelsa East hopeful, Benson Agadaga, was also disqualified, as was Donald Daunemigita from a different district in the state.

Because they were excluded, none of the three can be on the primary ballot unless the party allows appeals and changes its decision.

Rivers and Zamfara See the Most Disqualifications

Rivers West had four aspirants who did not pass screening: Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein, and Banigo Ipalibo. Another Rivers candidate, Barry Balera Mwara, was also disqualified.

Zamfara had the most disqualifications, with seven aspirants not cleared across its Central, North, and West senatorial zones. The affected candidates are Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi, Aliyu Abubakar, Muhammad Bashir Maru, Hassan Muhammad Gusau, Abubakar H. Moriiki, Bilyaminu Yusuf, and Isyaka Ajiya Anka.

Oyo also had a significant number, with six aspirants barred from the primaries.

What Happens Next for Affected Aspirants

Anyone who did not pass screening cannot take part in the primary unless the APC changes its decision after an appeal. If that does not happen, these candidates cannot run for Senate with the party this time.

For those who passed screening, fewer candidates mean the primaries may be less competitive in some districts. This could help frontrunners, but it may also lead to complaints and pressure from those who feel they were unfairly left out.

Why the Silence on Reasons Is Significant

It is notable that the APC did not explain why anyone was disqualified. When reasons are not given, it often leads to more controversy, especially when well-known politicians are involved.

Murray-Bruce served two terms as a senator and is well known across the country. Not giving a reason for his exclusion will likely raise questions about whether it was due to rules, party politics, or another reason.

This is not a new pattern. In Nigeria, party primaries are often shaped as much by who is allowed to run as by how delegates vote. The list of cleared candidates often hints at the final outcome.

The 2027 Context

The screening is happening as the APC and other parties start getting ready for the 2027 general elections. Choices made now about who can run in the primaries will decide which candidates face voters later.

For the APC, handling the impact of 47 disqualifications in several key states will test the party’s unity. The party has not said if it will allow appeals.

---

Full List of Uncleared Aspirants

Hon. Hamish Idris, Adamawa
Hon. Abdurman Kwacham, Adamawa
Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue, Anambra
Donald Daunemigita, Bayelsa
Sen. Ben Murray Bruce, Bayelsa
Sen. Benson S. Agadaga, Bayelsa
Daniel Effiong Asuquo, Cross River
Oden Ibiang O. Ewa, Cross River
Dr Marian Nnamaka Ogoh-Ali, Delta
Sen. Usman J. Wowo, FCT
Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, FCT
Adam Mouktar Mohammed, Jigawa
Sen. Garba Musa Mai Doki, Kebbi
Kollo B. Jiya, Kwara
Amb. Olutola John Onijala, Kwara
Awolola Muritala, Kwara
Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga, Kwara
Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu, Nasarawa
Usman Muhammed Elegu, Nasarawa
Alhaji Dr Yusuf Moh’d Agabi, Nasarawa
Ari Ali Muhammed, Nasarawa
Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq, Niger
Hon. Muhammed Bello A., Niger
Bello Bawa Bwari, Niger
Ademola Wasiu Alli, Oyo
Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega, Oyo
Mr Kolapoboye Kola Daisi, Oyo
Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen, Oyo
Hon. Hameed Afeez Repete, Oyo
Amb. Pst. Akinremi Alade Bolaji, Oyo
Bello Abudullahi Bodejo, Taraba
Gyang Yaya Zi San, Plateau
Napoleon Binkap Bah, Plateau
Usman Ephraim Gar, Plateau
Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Rivers
Chief Dr Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Rivers
Jack-Rich Tein T.S., Rivers
Banigo Ipalibo, Rivers
Chief Barry Balera Mwara, Rivers
Hon. Hassan H. Kafayos, Yobe
Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi, Zamfara
Aliyu Abubakar, Zamfara
Muhammad Bashir Maru, Zamfara
Hassan Muhammad Gusau, Zamfara
Abubakar H. Moriiki, Zamfara
Bilyaminu Yusuf, Zamfara
Isyaka Ajiya Anka, Zamfara

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ben Murray-Bruce, and why does his exclusion matter?

Ben Murray-Bruce is a former senator who served two terms for Bayelsa East. He wanted to return to the Senate with the APC. His disqualification is important because he is well known, and the party has not explained why he was left out.

Why did APC not give reasons for the disqualifications?

The party has not given a public explanation. APC said its screening committees followed party rules and procedures, but did not give reasons for each of the 47 disqualifications.

Can the uncleared aspirants still contest the primaries?

No, unless the APC allows appeals and changes the screening result. Without that, those who were disqualified cannot be on the primary ballot.

Which states had the most uncleared aspirants?

Zamfara had the highest number with seven disqualified, followed by Oyo with six and Rivers with five. Bayelsa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger also had several affected aspirants.

What does this mean for the 2027 elections?

The screening results decide who can run in the APC Senate primaries, which will determine the party’s candidates for the 2027 general elections. Being disqualified now can end a candidate’s chances with the party for this cycle.