Amanze Chinonye
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded a comprehensive revision of its candidates’ list for the 2027 National Assembly elections, removing former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and former House of Representatives member, Gbenga Elegbeleye, alongside 24 other aspirants after the party’s internal appeals process.
The decision, which affects 26 aspirants in total comprising seven senatorial candidates and 19 House of Representatives nominees spans nine states: Kogi, Abia, Benue, Taraba, Ondo, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna and Ebonyi.
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According to a document obtained by The Nation, the revised list has been transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through a formal letter signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
The correspondence, titled “Forwarding of Approved List of Senatorial and House of Representatives Candidates,” stated that the adjustments followed the recommendations of the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committee, which reviewed petitions arising from the APC primaries.
It further noted that the appeal committee’s report was considered and adopted by the National Working Committee as the party’s final position on the affected constituencies after all grievances were reviewed and resolved.
The APC said the substitutions were carried out in strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and the nomination guidelines issued by INEC.
Under the revised senatorial list, Gabriel Suswam lost the Benue North-East ticket to Emmanuel Memga Udende, while Benjamin T. Aber was replaced by Titus Tartenger Zam in Benue North-West.
In Ondo State, Gbenga Elegbeleye was dropped as the candidate for Ondo North Senatorial District and replaced by Olajide Ipinsagba, while Adeniyi Adegbonmire emerged as the flag bearer for Ondo Central in place of Taiwo Fasorati.
Other key changes include Senator Sunday Karimi replacing Aro Samuel Bamidele in Kogi West, Paul Ikonne replacing Edinburgh Uchenna Erondu in Abia South, and Shuibu Isa Lau taking over from Mohammed Kabir Bello in Taraba North.
The House of Representatives list also recorded extensive adjustments across the affected states. In Benue State, five constituencies were impacted, including Makurdi/Guma, where Dickson Tarkighir replaced Ikper Chris Terfa, and Vandeikya/Konshisha, where Sesoo Ikpagher took over from Livinus Tsar Adzor.
Ondo State accounted for six substitutions, including Donald Ojogo replacing Akingboye Leke in Ilaje/Ese-Odo and Festus Olarewaju taking over from Rasaq Obe in Idanre/Ifedore, among others.
Further changes were effected in Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, Abia and Ebonyi States as the APC finalised its legislative slate ahead of the 2027 elections.
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The sweeping revisions underscore the intensity of post-primary disputes within the ruling party and the decisive role of its appeal mechanism in shaping its final candidates’ list.
Beyond resolving internal grievances, the scale of substitutions highlights ongoing power balancing within APC structures, as competing interests were reconciled ahead of a tightly contested electoral cycle.
With the updated list now formally submitted to INEC, the party has effectively closed internal contestations over the affected constituencies, signalling a consolidated though heavily negotiated legislative ticket for the 2027 general elections.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
