The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified 47 senatorial aspirants from participating in the party’s Senate primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among those affected are three serving senators, namely Benson Agadaga, senator representing Bayelsa east; Garba Maidoki, Kebbi south senator; and Banigo Ipalibo, senator representing Rivers west.
Prominent politicians also barred from the contest are former Bayelsa East senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, and Rivers State politician, Tein Jack-Rich.
The party announced the disqualifications on Monday in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
According to the APC, the screening exercise was conducted by designated screening committees in line with the party’s guidelines and procedures.
Bayelsa, Rivers, Zamfara Record High Numbers
Bayelsa State recorded three disqualifications, including Murray-Bruce and Senator Benson Agadaga, both from Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
Donald Daunemigita was also disqualified from the Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
Rivers State emerged as one of the states with the highest number of disqualified aspirants.
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Five aspirants from Rivers West Senatorial District failed to scale through the screening process, including Jack-Rich, Chief Dr. Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Ojukaye Flag Amachree and Banigo Ipalibo.
Chief Barry Balera Mwara was also disqualified from the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
Zamfara State recorded the highest number overall, with seven aspirants disqualified across the Central, North and West senatorial districts.
Oyo, FCT, Others Affected
In Oyo State, five aspirants were disqualified across the three senatorial districts.
Among them are Kolapoboye Kola Daisi and Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega.
Other affected states include Adamawa, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory.
Full List Released by APC
The APC released the names of all disqualified aspirants across the affected states.
Those barred from the race include former lawmakers, business figures, political appointees, and serving party stakeholders seeking senatorial tickets under the ruling party.
The party, however, did not publicly state the specific reasons for the disqualifications.
The development is expected to trigger fresh political reactions and possible appeals from affected aspirants ahead of the APC senatorial primaries.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.