Just in: Ben Bruce cleared as APC revises list of disqualified Senate aspirants

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released an updated list of senatorial aspirants who were not cleared to participate in its forthcoming Senate primary elections, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The revised list, issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, shows that the name of former Bayelsa East senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has been removed from the earlier disqualification list.

In the statement, the APC reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and discipline in the conduct of its primaries.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) hereby releases an updated list of Senatorial aspirants not cleared to participate in the Party’s Senate Primary Elections,” the statement read.

“The APC urges all stakeholders to uphold transparency, orderliness, and the integrity of the ongoing Primary Election process.”

The party had initially published a list of 47 disqualified aspirants. However, the revised document now contains 44 names following adjustments to the screening outcomes.

Among those still affected are Benson Agadaga, representing Bayelsa East; Banigo Ipalibo of Rivers West; and Usman Wowo, former senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The updated list also indicates that Garba Mai Doki of Kebbi South is no longer in the race, with the party noting that he had defected from the APC.

In addition, Adam Mohammed from Jigawa South-West was marked as having failed to appear for screening, while Abdulkarim Kana, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Donald Daunemigita of Bayelsa West were listed as having voluntarily withdrawn from the process.

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

Despite the adjustments, several notable political figures remain on the disqualified list, including Tamunobaabo Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein, and Oyukaye Amachree, all from Rivers West Senatorial District.

Their continued exclusion underscores the intensity of internal screening ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive APC primary season.

The updated list spans multiple states and senatorial districts, including Adamawa, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, FCT, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Political observers note that the spread reflects the party’s broad nationwide screening exercise aimed at streamlining its candidate pool ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political analyst Dr. Ayo Adewale described the revision of the list as “a normal but sensitive part of internal party management,” noting that adjustments often occur as appeals and clarifications are reviewed.

“The removal of names like Ben Murray-Bruce suggests that screening outcomes are not always final at first release,” he said. “It also shows the APC is still fine-tuning its internal consensus-building ahead of the primaries.”

Another analyst, political affairs commentator Sani Mohammed, said the evolving list reflects both administrative corrections and political negotiations within the party.

“When you are dealing with high-profile aspirants across multiple states, revisions are expected. What matters is how the party manages the perceptions of fairness and transparency,” he noted.