The political landscape of the 10th House of Representatives has witnessed a major earthquake following the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries. At least 48 incumbent members of the ruling party have failed to secure tickets for a return to the Green Chamber.
High-ranking legislators, including the House Majority Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, were among those who crashed out. Ihonvbere lost the Owan Federal Constituency ticket in Edo State, coming third in a heavily contested exercise.
Long-serving legislators and ranking members rejected
The primaries produced shocking results for some of the most experienced members of the National Assembly. Nicholas Mutu, who has represented the Bomadi/Patani constituency since 1999, was among those who lost his bid.
In Cross River State, a staggering five out of eight serving representatives failed to clinch the party’s nomination. This wave of losses suggests a strong desire for “new blood” among the party’s delegates and grassroots supporters ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaker Abbas and Deputy Kalu survive primary scare
Despite the widespread losses, the leadership of the House managed to maintain its grip on their respective constituencies. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas of Kano State and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu of Abia State both secured their return tickets.
In Borno State, the party’s results showed more stability, with several incumbents like Betara Aliyu and Ahmed Jaha successfully reclaiming their tickets. However, the overall trend points toward a significant turnover in the 11th House of Representatives.
Aggrieved aspirants allege fraud and demand cancellations
The aftermath of the primaries has been trailed by allegations of widespread irregularities and violence. In Ekiti and Lagos states, several aspirants have rejected the results, describing the process as “shambolic and fraudulent.”
Teju Okuyiga, a female aspirant in Ekiti, claimed that party guidelines were openly disregarded and figures were merely allocated. In the Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos, reports of gunfire and thuggery have led to calls for the total nullification of the exercise.
