The exercise, held in several states including Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Edo, Benue, Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau and Cross River, was marred by allegations of manipulation, imposition of candidates, irregularities and controversial consensus arrangements.

Several aspirants were also disqualified during the screening process, while others stepped down amid growing internal party disputes.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed that 14 aspirants failed the party’s screening process conducted according to its guidelines, although he did not disclose specific reasons for their disqualification.

Among affected lawmakers were Iduma Igariwey, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Anderson Allison and Boma Goodhead.

In Rivers State, the disqualification of some aspirants deepened the political battle between supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ahead of the 2027 elections.

Some aspirants and party members accused the APC leadership of using the screening process to settle political scores rather than allowing a fair contest.

A major upset occurred in Edo State where House Leader Julius Ihonvbere lost his ticket and immediately rejected the outcome, insisting there was no proper election process.

Other lawmakers across different states also challenged the results, alleging fabricated figures, intimidation, violence and lack of transparency during the primaries.

In Ogun State, lawmakers who lost their tickets accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of imposing preferred candidates through an “affirmation” process instead of conducting genuine elections.

Violence also broke out during the APC primaries in Plateau State, where a man identified as Sani Abdullahi reportedly died after being hit by a stray bullet during clashes at the venue.

In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s political camp dominated the primaries, defeating several aspirants linked to SGF George Akume.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, secured the Agege Federal Constituency ticket, replacing incumbent Hameed Adewale.

Several aspirants in Ekiti, Kwara, Delta, Gombe and other states also rejected the outcomes, threatening legal action and insisting the exercises failed to meet democratic standards.

Despite the controversies, some politicians accepted defeat and pledged loyalty to the APC leadership, while party officials maintained that the primaries were conducted according to laid down guidelines.

— Naija Street Matters