Ben Murray-Bruce, 46 aspirants barred from APC Senate primary race

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a list of 47 senatorial aspirants who were disqualified from participating in its forthcoming Senate primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who said the screening exercise was conducted by APC Screening Committees in line with established party guidelines and procedures.

According to the party, the decision followed a comprehensive review of aspirants across senatorial districts nationwide, with several high-profile names among those affected.

Among the most notable figures disqualified is former senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who represented Bayelsa East Senatorial District. Also affected is Benson Agadaga, another aspirant from the same district.

In Rivers State, four aspirants were disqualified from Rivers West Senatorial District, including Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein, and Banigo Ipalibo.

Zamfara State recorded one of the highest numbers of disqualifications, with seven aspirants across its Central, North, and West districts affected.

Other states, including Oyo, Nasarawa, Cross River, Kwara, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also recorded multiple exclusions from the race.

According to the party’s published list, disqualifications cut across several senatorial districts nationwide:

Adamawa: Hamish Idris (North), Abdurman Kwacham (North)

Anambra: Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue (North)

Bayelsa: Donald Daunemigita (West), Ben Murray-Bruce (East), Benson S. Agadaga (East)

Cross River: Daniel Effiong Asuquo (South), Oden Ibiang O Ewa (Central), Marian Nnamaka Ogoha-Ali (North)

FCT: Usman J. Wowo, Abubakar Umar Abdullahi

Jigawa: Adam Mouktar Mohammed (South/West)

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Kebbi: Garba Musa Mai Doki (South)

Kwara: Kollo B. Jiya (North), Olutola John Onijala (South), Awolola Muritala (South), Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga (South)

Nasarawa: Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu (North), Usman Muhammed Elegu (South), Yusuf Moh’d Agabi (South), Ari Ali Muhammed (South), Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq (Niger/South), Muhammed Bello A., Bello Bawa Bwari

Oyo: Ademola Wasiu Alli (Central), Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega (North), Kolapoboye Kola Daisi (South), Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen (Central), Hameed Afeez Repete (Central), Akinremi Alade Bolaji (South)

Plateau / Rivers / Taraba / Yobe / Zamfara: multiple aspirants across districts as listed in the party’s statement

The APC stated that the screening process was conducted in accordance with internal party rules designed to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements, documentation standards, and other criteria guiding participation in the primaries.

While the party did not provide detailed reasons for each disqualification, political observers say such screening exercises typically assess factors including membership status, zoning considerations, documentation integrity, and adherence to party regulations.

Political analysts say the scale of disqualifications underscores intensifying internal competition within the APC ahead of 2027, as the ruling party seeks to manage elite rivalries and balance regional interests.

Political analyst Jide Ojo noted that large-scale screening exclusions are not unusual in major parties but warned of potential internal backlash. “When high-profile aspirants are affected, it often leads to legal challenges or factional tensions within party structures,” he said.

Another analyst, political affairs commentator Aisha Yusuf, said the development reflects the APC’s effort to tighten its candidate selection process. “The party appears to be prioritising internal discipline and strategic candidate positioning ahead of a highly competitive election cycle,” she observed.