The All Progressives Congress (APC) has published a list of 47 senatorial aspirants who were not cleared to participate in its screening exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections, in a development that has further heightened tensions within the party’s ranks.
The affected aspirants cut across multiple states of the federation, including Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Taraba, Plateau, Rivers, Yobe and Zamfara States.
The party’s screening outcome reflects ongoing internal restructuring and tightening of eligibility requirements as it prepares for its nationwide primaries.
Among those not cleared in Adamawa State are Hon. Hamish Idris and Hon. Abdurman Kwacham, both from the North Senatorial District.
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In Anambra, Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue was listed as not cleared, while Bayelsa State recorded multiple affected aspirants, including Donald Daunemigita and former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.
Cross River State also featured prominently on the list, with Daniel Effiong Asu and Oden Ibiang O Ewa among those disqualified from contesting.
In Delta State, Dr. Marian Nnamaka Ogoh-Ali was not cleared for the North Senatorial District race.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) saw the exclusion of Sen. Usman J. Wowo and Abubakar Umar Abdullahi from the senatorial contest.
Several aspirants in Kwara State were also affected, including Kollo B. Jiya, Amb. Olutola John Onijala, Awolola Muritala, and Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga.
In Nasarawa State, multiple aspirants including Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu, Usman Muhammed Elegu, Alhaji Dr. Yusuf Moh’d Agabi, and Ari Ali Muhammed were not cleared for the senatorial primaries.
Niger State recorded several exclusions, including Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq, Hon. Muhammed Bello A., and Bello Bawa Bwari.
Oyo State also saw a significant number of aspirants disqualified, including Ademola Wasiu Alli, Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega, Kolapoboye Kola Daisi, Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen, Hon. Hameed Afeez Repete, and Amb. Pst. Akinremi Alade Bolaji.
In Plateau State, Gyang Yaya Zi San, Napoleon Binkap Bah, and Usman Ephraim Gar were among those not cleared.
Rivers State, which has remained a flashpoint of internal APC disputes, recorded several high-profile exclusions, including Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Chief Dr. Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein T.S, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, and Chief Barry Balera Mwara.
In Zamfara State, multiple aspirants were also affected, including Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi, Aliyu Abubakar, Muhammad Bashir Maru, Hassan Muhammad Gusau, Abubakar H. Moriiki, Bilyaminu Yusuf, and Isyaka Ajiya Anka.
Party insiders say the disqualifications are part of a broader effort to streamline the selection process and ensure compliance with internal guidelines, though the decision has already sparked discontent among affected aspirants and their supporters.
Some of those excluded are expected to challenge the decision through the APC appeal mechanism or pursue further political and legal options.
The development comes amid rising tensions within the APC over the conduct of its primaries, with several states already witnessing protests, factional disputes and allegations of imposition of candidates.
Political observers warn that the growing list of disqualified aspirants could deepen internal divisions within the party as it moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
