APC Replaces Seven Senatorial, 19 House of Representatives Candidates in Final INEC List Ahead of 2027 Polls
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has carried out a major reshuffle of its National Assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 general election, replacing seven senatorial nominees and 19 House of Representatives candidates in the final list submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The changes, which followed the party’s internal appeal process after its National Assembly primary elections, affect aspirants from Kogi, Abia, Benue, Taraba, Ondo, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna and Ebonyi states.
The revised list reflects recommendations made by the APC Primary Election Appeal Committee and approved by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). The committee was established to review petitions filed by aspirants who challenged the outcome of the party’s primaries in various constituencies.
The decision represents one of the most extensive post-primary adjustments by the ruling party as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election.
Seven Senatorial Candidates Replaced
Among the most significant changes are the replacement of seven senatorial candidates across the country.
In Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Karimi replaced Aro Samuel Bamidele as the APC’s candidate.
For Abia South Senatorial District, Prince Paul Ikonne emerged as the new candidate after replacing Edinburgh Uchenna Erondu.
In Benue North-East, former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam was replaced by Emmanuel Memga Udende, while Titus Tartenger Zam replaced Benjamin T. Aber in Benue North-West Senatorial District.
The APC also substituted Mohammed Kabir Bello with Shuibu Isa Lau in Taraba North Senatorial District.
In Ondo State, two senatorial changes were approved. Adeniyi Adegbonmire replaced Taiwo Fasoranti in Ondo Central, while Olajide Ipinsagba replaced Gbenga Elegbeleye in Ondo North Senatorial District.
The substitutions followed recommendations from the party’s appeal committee after reviewing complaints arising from the conduct of the APC primaries.
Nineteen House of Representatives Candidates Replaced
The APC also made extensive changes to its House of Representatives candidates across several federal constituencies.
Benue State
The party replaced Ikper Chris Terfa with Dickson Tarkighir for Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
In Vandeikya/Konshisha, Sesoo Ikpagher replaced Livinus Tsar Adzor.
Terseer Ugbor emerged as the new candidate for Kwande/Ushongo, replacing Kohol Shedrach Iornem.
For Buruku Federal Constituency, Sekav Dzua Iyortyom replaced Gideon Inyom.
In Gwer East/Gwer West, Austin Asema Achado replaced Nongo David.
Taraba State
In Gashaka/Kurmi/Sardauna Federal Constituency, Peter Abel Diah replaced Sanusi Mohammed Galadima.
Niger State
For Suleja/Tafa/Gurara, Abubakar Lado Abdullahi replaced Adamu Tanko, while Adamu Suleiman replaced Adamu Usman in Lavun/Edati/Mokwa Federal Constituency.
Kwara State
The APC substituted Olasumbo Florence Oyeyemi with Raheem Tunji Olawuyi for Ekiti/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency.
In Edu/Patigi/Moro, Mohammed Mamman replaced Bello Tauheed Abubakar.
Ondo State
Ondo recorded the highest number of changes among House of Representatives candidates.
Donald Ojogo replaced Akingboye Leke for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency.
Festus Olarewaju emerged as the new candidate for Idanre/Ifedore, replacing Rasaq Obe.
For Owo/Ose, Oluwatimehin Akintomide replaced Kayode Ijalana.
In Okitipupa/Irele, John Odimayo replaced Olumuyiwa Daramola.
Michael Olamidotun Akintomide emerged for Ondo East/Ondo West, replacing Abiola Makinde.
The party also replaced Oyerinmade Matthew with Festus Ayodele Adefiranye in Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency.
Kaduna State
In Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Abdulazeez Kaka replaced Samaila Abdu Suleiman.
Abia State
For Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Chief Samuel Okezie replaced Chris Nkwonta.
Ebonyi State
In Afikpo North/Edda Federal Constituency, Ekumankama Joseph Nkama replaced Iduma Igariwey Enwo.
Why the APC Revised Its Candidate List
The revisions followed weeks of deliberations by the APC Primary Election Appeal Committee, which reviewed petitions submitted by aspirants dissatisfied with the conduct and outcome of the party’s National Assembly primaries.
After examining the complaints, the committee forwarded its recommendations to the National Working Committee, which approved the substitutions before transmitting the revised list to INEC in line with the Electoral Act.
Party officials say the exercise was aimed at strengthening internal democracy by providing a structured mechanism for resolving disputes arising from the primaries.
Political Implications
The latest changes have generated significant political interest because several prominent politicians lost their nominations despite initially emerging from the APC primaries.
The replacement of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam is among the most talked-about developments, alongside the substitutions involving former federal lawmakers and other influential party figures in different states.
Political analysts believe the reshuffle could reshape the APC’s campaign strategy in several constituencies, particularly where newly nominated candidates will need to reconcile aggrieved supporters and consolidate the party’s grassroots structures.
The development also underscores the competitive nature of the APC’s internal electoral process ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 general election.
Looking Ahead
With the revised candidate list now before INEC, attention is expected to shift to the electoral commission’s verification process and the publication of the final list of candidates for the National Assembly elections.
For the APC, the immediate task will be to promote unity among party members in the affected states and ensure that disagreements arising from the primary elections do not undermine its electoral prospects.
As political activities gather momentum nationwide, the revised list marks a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections and provides a clearer picture of the candidates who will fly the APC’s flag in the race for seats in the Senate and House of Representatives.
