Following the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections conducted on Saturday, May 16, 2026, across states, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudasiru Obasa, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, James Faleke, have all secured the return tickets to contest the 2027 elections into the House of Representatives.
Also among those who picked the APC tickets were Yusuf Buhari, son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi; Jimi Benson; Leke Abejide; former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu; and Olumide Osoba, son of former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba.
While Tajudeen, Kalu and Faleke are seeking re-election, Yusuf Buhari will be making his first bid for a seat in the Green Chamber.
However, the House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, lost his bid to return to the House.
Four serving House of Representatives members from Imo State, two from Nasarawa State, and popular celebrity businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, also failed to secure tickets.
Reports from across the states showed that turnout was high in many areas where the primaries were held. The exercise was largely peaceful, although protests were recorded in parts of Kaduna and Osun states over alleged manipulation, while thugs reportedly disrupted the process in Jos South, Plateau State.
Kaduna – Tajudeen, Magaji, Suleiman
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the Reps Speaker, Tajudeen, was returned unopposed as the APC candidate for Zaria Federal Constituency.
Shortly after his endorsement, Tajudeen said he was humbled by what he described as the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by APC members across the 13 electoral wards of the constituency.
Writing on his verified 𝕏 handle, @Speaker_Abbas, he said, “I am deeply 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.”
The Speaker also thanked the party leadership, stakeholders, elders, youths, women and loyal APC members for what he called “this remarkable show of trust and unity.”
He pledged to continue supporting the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of Governor Uba Sani.
“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,” he added.
In Sabon Gari, Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, son of a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Ango Abdullahi, emerged as the APC candidate.
Other winners in Kaduna included Amos Gwamna Magaji for Zango Kataf/Jaba; Samaila Abdul Suleiman for Kaduna North; Benjamin Gugong for Kaura; Mukhtar Zakarin Chiawai for Kauru; Felix Joseph Bagudu for Kachia; Daniel Amos for Jema’a/Sanga; and Gabriel Salle for Kagarko/Kachia.
In Kaduna North, Suleiman defeated Abdulaziz Abubakar Kaka and Abubakar Mahmoud, polling 3,049 votes against Kaka’s 65 and Mahmoud’s 96 votes.
However, Kaka’s campaign organisation rejected the exercise, accusing APC officials of compromising the integrity of the process.
The group alleged that Kaka’s supporters were deliberately disenfranchised, claiming that election materials did not arrive at polling centres considered to be his strongholds.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Usman Alkali described the exercise as “a rape on democracy,” alleging that party members who came 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.
In another development, Mahmud Sadis Buba, whose age had been questioned before the primary, withdrew from the contest for the Sabon Gari ticket at the last minute.
Buba said his decision followed reconciliation efforts by APC leaders in the state.
“This was not an easy decision. But it was hastened by the reconciliation efforts initiated by stakeholders and leaders of our party,” he said.
He added that his withdrawal should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but as a sacrifice made to preserve the cohesion and stability of the ruling party.
Lagos – Mudasiru Obasa, Faleke, Oshinowo
In Lagos State, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, was returned unopposed as the APC candidate for Agege Federal Constituency.
Obasa, who acknowledged what he called the “overwhelming show of love, support, and solidarity” from party members and residents, said the turnout showed the strength of his bond with the people.
He said, “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 secured the ticket for Ikeja/Ojodu, while Jimi Benson won in Ikorodu.
Other winners included Fuad Atanda Lawal for Eti-Osa and Fuad Laguda for Surulere.
In Kosofe Federal Constituency, Mayor Dele Oshinowo won the APC ticket after defeating Yetunde Arobieke, Remi Odunsi and Kafilat Ogbara.
Edo State – Ijegbai, Iyamu, Danco
In Edo State, House Majority Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, lost his bid to return to the House of Representatives for a third term.
Ihonvbere, who currently represents Owan Federal Constituency, was defeated by Andrew Ijegbai, a former Commissioner for Mining.
His defeat was linked to an existing understanding between Owan East and Owan West to rotate representation in the House of Representatives.
Also in Edo, Eseosa Iyawe, who represents Oredo Federal Constituency, lost to a former Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu.
Iyawe was elected into the House on the platform of the Labour Party before defecting to the APC.
In Esan West/Igueben/Esan Central Federal Constituency, confusion trailed the exercise as two aspirants, Marcus Onobun and Lucky Eseigbe, both claimed victory after parallel primaries were reportedly held.
Onobun recently defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, while Eseigbe is said to be one of the preferred aspirants of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In Etsako, Anamero Dekeri, popularly known as Danco, was declared the winner after defeating four other aspirants.
Other candidates who secured return tickets in Edo included Omosede Igbinedion for Ovia, Odianosen Okojie for Esan South East/Esan North East, and Billy Osawaru for Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon.
The Edo State Chairman of the APC, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, described the primary as the freest and fairest ever conducted by any political party in the state.
Tenebe said the party was prepared for the outcome of the exercise.
Delta – Elumelu, Waive, Onoyake
In Delta State, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, won the APC ticket for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
Erhiatake Suenu Ibori secured the ticket for Ethiope Federal Constituency, while Chief Thomas Ereyitomi emerged winner in Warri after defeating Ekpoto Ekpoto.
Other winners in the state included Rev Francis Waive for Ughelli/Udu; Ramson Onoyake for Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie; Basil Ganagana for Bomadi/Patani; and Ajirioghene Ukodhiko for Isoko Federal Constituency.
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 APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after casting his vote in his ward in 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 marked the exercise.
Ogun State – Osoba
In Ogun State, the APC primaries produced Olumide Osoba as the party’s candidate for Owode/Abeokuta North/Odeda Federal Constituency.
Osoba is the son of former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
Other winners were Gboyega Nasir Isiaka for Imeko Afon; Afolabi Afuwape for Abeokuta South; and Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye for Ifo/Ewekoro.
Results from the remaining federal constituencies were still being awaited as of press time.
Kogi State – Abejide
In Kogi State, Leke Abejide, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the APC, secured the party’s ticket for Yagba Federal Constituency.
Abejide had no opponent in the contest.
Other winners in Kogi included Gowon Haruna for Dekina/Bassa; Abdulraheem Sani Edidi for Lokoja/Kotonkarfe; and Danladi Aguye for Ajaokuta Federal Constituency.
Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, said he had been endorsed as the preferred APC candidate for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in Plateau State.
In a statement, Gagdi said his endorsement followed consultations and assessments of his commitment to the ideals and leadership of the APC in the constituency and the state.
He also acknowledged the role of Governor Caleb Muftwang in his adoption.
Gagdi thanked President Tinubu and the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, for what he described as their unwavering support and confidence.
Jigawa
In Jigawa State, the APC handed return tickets to five of its serving House of Representatives members.
They are Makki Abubakar Elleman for Malam Madori/Kaugama; Nazifi Sani Fulawa for Gumel/Maigatari/Suletankarkar/Gagarawa; Abubakar Fulata for Birniwa/Guri/Kirikasamma; Rabiu Dan Sitta for Garki/Babura; and Shitu Galambi for Gwaram Federal Constituency.
The outcome of the primaries in several other states was still being expected as of the time of filing this report.
Niger – Adamu Abubakar, Mahmud, Auna
Adamu Abubakar, son of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Chanchaga Federal Constituency in Niger State ahead of the 2026 House of Representatives election.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Abubakar won the APC primary election held on Saturday after polling 30,650 votes to defeat his closest rival, Nmaa Ahmed, who secured 1,271 votes.
Another aspirant in the race, Shuaibu Mairago, scored 311 votes.
The result was announced by the Returning Officer, Dan Islam, who said the exercise was conducted across the 11 wards of Chanchaga Federal Constituency.
Islam declared Abubakar the winner of the primary and returned him as the APC candidate for the constituency.
Similarly, in Lapai Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Mahmud secured the APC ticket after polling 8,559 votes in the primary election.
The Returning Officer, Ibrahim Usman, who announced the result, said the exercise was conducted across the 10 wards of the constituency.
According to him, Sadiqu Mustapha scored 395 votes, while Mahawiya Yusuf polled 247 votes.
Usman subsequently declared Mahmud the winner of the contest and returned him as the party’s candidate for the federal constituency.
Also, Prof. Yakubu Auna emerged as the winner of the APC House of Representatives primary election for Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency.
Details of the votes scored by Auna and other aspirants in the contest were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.