House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, his deputy Benjamin Kalu, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, Yusuf Buhari (son of the late President Muhammadu Buhari) and Chairman of the House Committee on Finance James Faleke yesterday got the tickets of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest next year’s election into the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

Tajudeen, Kalu and Faleke are all seeking re-election while Buhari is going there for the first time.

Also endorsed by APC members yesterday during the HoR primaries to seek a fresh mandate are Mr. Jimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy Yusuf Gagdi, Leke Abejide, a former minority leader in the HoR Ndudi Elumelu and Olumide Osoba, son of former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba.

However, HoR majority leader Julius Ihonvbere crashed out of the race.

Four HoR members from Imo, two from Nasarawa and popular celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu alias Cubana Chief Priest also failed in their bids for tickets. Turnout for the primaries was high in many states, according to our correspondents. The process was generally peaceful, although there were protests in parts of Kaduna and Osun over alleged manipulation while thugs disrupted the process in Jos South.

Kaduna State

Speaker Tajudeen was returned unopposed in Zaria.

Moments after his endorsement, Tajudeen said he was humbled by “the overwhelming confidence reposed in me by APC members across the 13 electoral wards of Zaria Federal Constituency, who affirmed me unopposed as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general elections.”

“This honour comes with an even greater responsibility to serve our people with dedication, sincerity, and results-driven representation.

“I remain committed to pursuing initiatives and opportunities that will continue to uplift our constituency and improve the lives of our people,” he said on his verified X handle @Speaker_Abbas.

He expressed gratitude to the party leadership, stakeholders, elders, youths, women, and every loyal APC member for “this remarkable show of trust and unity” and pledged that “together, we shall continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the purposeful leadership of Governor Uba Sani for a stronger Kaduna State and a better Nigeria.”

Sadiq Ango Abdullahi emerged from Sabon Gari .He is a son of former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Ango Abdullahi.

Other winners in the Kaduna APC primaries for the HoR are: Amos Gwamna Magaji (Zango Kataf/Jaba); Samaila Abdul Suleiman, who beat Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka and Abubakar Mahmoud to the Kaduna North with 3049 votes to 65 and 96 votes respectively; Benjamin Gugong (Kaura); Mukhtar Zakarin Chiawai (Kauru); Felix Joseph Bagudu (Kachia); Daniel Amos (Jema’a/Sanga); Gabriel Salle (Kagarko/Kachia).

The campaign organisation of Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka accused APC officials of compromising the integrity of the process.

The group alleged that supporters of Kaka were deliberately disenfranchised during the exercise, claiming that election materials failed to reach polling centres considered strongholds of the aspirant.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Usman Alkali described the exercise as a “rape on democracy,” alleging that party members who turned out to vote were denied the opportunity to participate.

He said: “Our people were totally disenfranchised from exercising their electoral rights. We mobilised people from different wards ahead of the primaries, but by 2pm nothing had happened and nobody gave any explanation, only for results to be declared from nowhere.

“We all turned out in large numbers to vote for Hon. Abdulazeez Kaka, but nothing happened. We will not accept the outcome because our people were denied the opportunity to exercise their rights.”

Similarly, the campaign organisation of Sani Abdulkadir Dakace, an aspirant for the Igabi Federal Constituency seat, accused party officials of frustrating the direct primary process by failing to provide election materials and deploy officials to polling centres.

Dimunitive Mahmud Sadis Buba, whose age had been questioned, withdrew at the last minute from seeking the ticket for Sabon Gari.

The campaign organisation of Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka accused APC officials of compromising the integrity of the process.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Usman Alkali described the exercise as a “rape on democracy,” alleging that party members who turned out to vote were denied the opportunity to participate.

Dimunitive Mahmud Sadis Buba, whose age had been questioned, withdrew at the last minute from seeking the ticket for Sabon Gari.

He cited reconciliation by APC leaders in the state for his withdrawal.

“This was not an easy decision. But it was hastened by the reconciliation efforts initiated by stakeholders and leaders of our party,” he said.

Buba added that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness, but rather as a sacrifice aimed at preserving the cohesion and stability of the ruling party.

Lagos

Mr. Obasa was returned unopposed from Agege.

He acknowledged the “overwhelming show of love, support, and solidarity” of the people”.

He added: “Seeing the massive turnout of loyal party faithful and residents is a reminder that our bond is built on trust, service, and a shared vision for greater progress.

“I remain committed to effective representation, grassroots development, and the continued advancement of our dear constituency. Together, we will keep building a stronger and more prosperous Agege.”

Faleke won in Ikeja/ Ojodu,Benson in Ikorodu, Fuad Atanda Lawal in Eti Osa and Fuad Laguda in Surulere. Mayor Dele Oshinowo won in Kosofe Federal Constituency, having defeated Yetunde Arobieke, Remi Odunsi, and Kafilat Ogbara .

Edo

Professor Ihonvbere’s bid to represent Owan for a third term hit the rocks following his defeat by Andrew Ijegbai, a former Commissioner for Mining.

Ihonvbere’s loss was attributed to the agreement between Owan East and Owan West to rotate their representative in the HoR.

Hon Eseosa Iyawe from Oredo lost to a former Commissioner of Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu.

Iyawe was originally elected on the platform of Labour Party before defecting to the APC.

Two contestants for the Esan West/Igueben/Esan Central ticket, Hon Marcus Onobun and Lucky Eseigbe, claimed victory last night following the conduct of parallel primaries in the area.

Onobun recently defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party but Eseigbe is one of the preferred aspirants of Governor Monday Okpebholo

In Etsako, Hon Anamero Dekeri popularly called Danco was declared winner after defeating four other aspirants.

Hon Omosede Igbinedion (Ovia), Odianosen Okojie (Esan South East/Esan North East) and Billy Osawaru (Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon) were each given a return ticket.

Edo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarret Tenebe,.described the primary as the freest and fairest ever conducted by any party in the state.

Tenebe said the party prepared for the outcome.

Delta

Elumelu won the APC ticket for Aniocha/Oshimili while Erhiatake Suenu Ibori secured the ticket for Ethiope.

From Warri emerged Chief Thomas Ereyitomi who defated Mr. Ekpoto Ekpoto. Other ticket winners are the Rev. Francis Waive (Ughelli/ Udu); Ramson Onoyake (Okpe/Sapele/Uwvie); not otherwise (Burutu); Basil Ganagana (Bomadi/Patan) and Ajirioghene Ukodhiko (Isoko ).

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the primaries, describing the exercise as a strong reflection of the unity, transparency and growing strength of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking shortly after casting his vote in his Ward, Okpe Local Government Area during the Okpe/Sapele/Ughelli Federal Constituency primary, Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and the calm atmosphere that characterised the exercise.

Ogun

The Ogun State primaries produced Mr. Olumide Osoba for Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda; Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (Imeko Afon); Afolabi Afuwape (Abeokuta South); Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye ( Ifo/Ewekoro).The results for the remaining constituencies were not available at press time.

Kogi

Mr. Leke Abejide, who recently dumped the African Democratic Congress (ADC), clinched the APC ticket for Yagba. He had no opponent.

Gowon Haruna won the ticket for Dekina/ Bassa ,while Abdulraheem Sani Edidi emerged the party’s candidate for Lokoja/Kotonkarfe and Danladi Aguye for Ajaokuta .

Gagdi gets endorsement for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam

Yusuf Adamu Gagdi said yesterday that he had been endosrsed as the preferred candidate for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam in Plateau State.

Gagdi said in a statement that the endorsement followed consultations and assessments of his commitment to the ideals and leadership of the APC in the constituency and the state.

He acknowledged the role of Governor Caleb Muftwang in his adoption.

He thanked President Tinub and National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, for what he described as their unwavering support and confidence.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State branch of the APC handed return tickets to five of its current HoR members: Makki Abubakar Elleman (Malam Mmadori/Kaugama); Nazifi Sani Fulawa (Gumel/Maigatari/Suletankarkar/ Gagarawa); Abubakar Fulata (Birniwa/Guri/ Kirikasamma); Rabiu Dan Sitta (Garki/Babura); and Shitu Galambi (Gwaram).

Four other current HoR members lost their tickets to Ahmed Rufa’i Santurakin Kazaure (Kazaure/Roni/ Gwaiwa/Yankwash); Aliyu Hussaini Usman (Hadejia/ Auyo/ Kafin Hausa);Yusha’u Mohammed ( Ringim/Taura);and Umar Imam ( Miga/Jahun).

Yusuf Buhari thanks stakeholders

Yusuf Buhari, in a thank you message to party supporters soon after he was declared winner yesterday, prayed that the mandate might be a “stepping stone toward greater representation and development for our constituency.”

Buhari who defeated Auwal Lawal Daura in the contest for the Sandamu/ Daura/ Mai’adua ticket said: “Alhamdulillah! We have secured a landslide victory with 5,849 votes, defeating our opponent who polled just 21 votes.

“This overwhelming mandate is a clear demonstration of the trust, confidence and support of our people. Thank you to everyone who stood with us, prayed and voted for this victory. Mun gode kwarai.”

Rivers

Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule won the APC ticket for Obio/Akpor .

The current member from Gokana/Khana Dumnamene Dekor and that of Ahoada West/Ogba/Egbema/Andoni ,Victor Obuzor got the nod for return tickets.

Also declared winners were Precious Igwe (Port Harcourt 1); Cyril Godwin (Bonny/

Degema); Isobo Stava Solomon (Asari, Toru/Akuku,Toru);Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt 2); Felix Nwaeke;(Eleme/Tai/ Oyibo); Ozuzum Chibuzor Nwamaka;(Etche/Omuma); Linda Somiari Stewart (Okrika/Ogu/Bolo); and Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual) among others.

Reps spokesman emerges winner in Ekiti

Spokesman of the HoR, Akintunde Rotimi won the APC ticket for Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye).

Rotimi had the highest votes in 22 of the 24 wards in the constituency.

Rotimi defeated five other aspirants including a member of the House in the 7th Assembly, Bimbo Daramola, Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, Gbenga Joseph, Prince Ayorinde Ejioye, and Engr. Ayo Omotosho.

Three aspirants-Mrs. Funke Owoseni, Mr. Kayode Omoboya, and Barr. Yemi Ayodele Ayeni – had earlier stepped down for him.

Four Imo Reps lose return tickets in APC primaries

Four HoR members from Imo – Matthew Nwogu (Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala); Miriam Odinaka Onuoha (Okigwe South); Harrison Anozie Nwadike (Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele); and Emeka Martins Chinedu (Ahiazu/Ezinihitte) – were defeated in their bids to return to the NASS.

In their stead, the party chose Ngozi Pat-Ekeji (Aboh/Ngor-Okpala); Jonas Okeke (Okigwe South); Cosmos Maduba (Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele );and Chukwudi Anyanwuocha (Ahiazu/Ezinihitte).Also picked yesterday were Sandra Inyama for Ideato North/South, Canice Moore Nwachukwu Omeogo for Orlu/Orsu/Oru East, Uchenna Agasu for Okigwe North, Dibiagwu Eugene for Oguta/Ohaji-Egbema/Oru-West, , Akarachi Amadi for Mbaike and Tochi Okere for Owerri federal constituency.

Heavy security in Osun

There was heavy security across Osun State yesterday during the APC primaries.

Mr.Sanya Omirin emerged the consensus for Ilesa South.

He thanked the party and stakeholders for making it happen.

SMA emerges consensus candidate for Bida/Gbako/Katcha

Saidu Musa Abdullahi ( Bida/Gbako/Katcha) yesterday expressed gratitude to party members for giving him a fresh opportunity.

Abdullahi who is popularly called SMA described his emergence as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership and commitment to the development of the constituency.

In a statement yesterday, the lawmaker particularly appreciated Niger State Governor Umar Mohammed Bago for the role he played in facilitating the consensus arrangement and for his continued support and trust over the years.

According to SMA, the governor’s encouragement and belief in his capacity have continued to motivate him toward strengthening the voice and relevance of Niger State at the National Assembly and within the country’s political landscape.

AbdulRazaq’s former CPS displaces incumbent in Ifelodun

Rafiu Ajakaye, a former media aide to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, picked the House of Representatives ticket for Ifelodun-Oyun-Offa after beating the incumbent Ismail Kayode.

In Ilorin East/South, former Works Commissioner Abdulquawiy Olododo was leading at press time.

Same applied to Taoheed Abubakar in Edu/Moro/Patigi and Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya in Ilorin West and Asa .

Kebbi

Former Chairman of the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency, Bello Yakubu Rilisco, emerged the APC’s candidate for Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza ,following the withdrawal of the incumbent member, Ibrahim Bello, and former Rector of Waziri Umaru Polytechnic, Usman Sani Tunga, who stepped down from the race.

Incumbent Rep for Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro , Mansur Musa Jega lost his bid for a return ticket sequel to a consensus that produced a former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Jafar Ahmed Jega.

Salisu Garba Koko retains the party’s ticket for Koko/Besse/Maiyama while Umar Hassan Augie emerged from Argungu/Augie as does Bello Kaoje for Suru/Bagudo.

Federal Constituency Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Bello Kaoje, was reaffirmed as the party’s candidate.

Former Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Tanko Sununu got the ticket for Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski while the current Rep from Arewa/Dandi , Rabi’u Garba Kamba also got the nod for the ticket.

Yobe

The APC in Yobe listed the followings as its candidates: Engr. Mohammed Jajare (Fune/Fika); Nasiru Hassan (Tarmuwa/Damaturu/Gujba/Gulani); Zanna Zakariya (Nguru/ Machina/ Karasuwa/ Yusufari); Hassan Ibn Jaks (Bade/Jakusko) and Lawan Shettima Ali (Bursari/ Geidam/Yunusari).

Borno

Satomi Ahmed (Jere); Ahmed Jaha Babawo (Gwoza/Chibok/ Daboa);Babani Mustapha (Bama/KalaBalge/Ngala); Usman Zannah (Gubio/Magumeri/ Kaga); Tarpaya Asarya (Askira Uba/ Hawul); Aliyu Betra (Biu/Bayo/ Shani); Abdulkadir Rehis (Maiduguri Metropolitan); Bukar Talba (Monguno/Marte/ Nganzai); Komi Umara (Zulum Dikwa/Mafa/Konduga); and Fati Kakinna (Guzamala/Kukawa/Mobar).

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum applauded the peaceful and orderly conduct of the primary election.

He told reporters shortly after supervising the primary election for Gubio, Kaga and Magumeri in Magumeri town that the consensus arrangement was voluntary and not intended to deny anyone the right to contest.

“Under the consensus arrangement, the government of Borno State and the party have never taken a decision to stop anybody from contesting,” he explained. “Consensus is a voluntary option, and anybody who does not wish to go for a consensus election has the right to participate in a direct primary.”

Chairman APC Primary Elections Committee for Gubio, Kaga and Magumeri Federal Constituency, Hon. Yuguda Saleh Vungas, confirmed that stakeholders and members of the party have adopted consensus as the mode of primary.

He commended the governor for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful and

smooth conduct of the exercise.

Late exercise in Adamawa

Voting started late yesterday in the Adamawa primaries of the APC.

Speaking to newsmen a little before 8pm, Chairman of the electoral committee, Professor Ahmed Shehu, urged aspirants to take the outcome in good faith.

“We are honest about this exercise to be credible; and we appeal to everyone to take the outcome as it turns out, since not everyone can win,” he said.

Thugs disrupt Jos South primaries.

Pandemonium erupted during the primaries for Jos South/Jos East last night as suspected thugs disrupted the counting of votes at the RCM Primary School, Zarmaganda, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The disruption occurred shortly after electoral officials commenced the recount of votes following a disagreement between supporters of the two leading aspirants, former House of Representatives member, Dachung Baggos, and Hon. Esther Dung.

Security agents later intervened and evacuated the electoral officials from the scene.

Abuja South primaries stalled

Stakeholders and party supporters in Abuja rejected the adoption of a consensus candidate for the House of Representatives primary election in the area.

This followed the inability of party elders to reach a compromise on a candidate.

The stalemate left thousands of party members stranded.

Voters who gathered as early as 8:00 am at various designated voting centers—including Pilot/Demonstration Primary School in Gwagwalada and Science Pilot Primary School in Kwali—were left disappointed when electoral officials failed to arrive.

By 5:00 pm, the venues had emptied out, leaving few eager party members who were seen brandishing their membership cards in anticipation of a democratic exercise.

Speaking on the development, the outgoing Chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council and frontline House of Representatives aspirant, Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin Giri, criticised the consensus push. He alleged that the arrangement was engineered by recent defectors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Consensus will not work in the Federal Capital Territory,” Giri insisted. “Those championing this method are defectors from the PDP who want to grab power through the back door. The members of this party will resist any attempt to bypass due process and impose unpopular aspirants on us.”

Giri demanded that all aspirants be allowed to test their popularity in the field. He also took a swipe at the incumbent lawmaker and fellow contestant, Hon. Abdulrahman Ajiya, accusing him of a lackluster performance.