The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State on Saturday concluded its National Assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, producing a blend of returning federal lawmakers and new political entrants as the party’s flag bearers.
The exercise, which was conducted across the state’s federal constituencies under tight security and in line with the party’s guidelines, saw incumbent lawmaker Oforji Oboku retain the APC ticket for the Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency. Oboku, who first clinched the seat in the last election cycle, will now seek a second term in the House of Representatives on the APC platform.
Also securing a return ticket was Rodney Ambaiowei, who emerged victorious in the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency primary.
Ambaiowei’s win sets the stage for him to defend his seat in what political observers say will be one of the most closely watched contests in Bayelsa, given Southern Ijaw’s voting strength.
The primaries also threw up fresh faces as the party looks to strengthen its slate ahead of 2027. In Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Bernard Kenebai clinched the ticket after a keenly contested race.
Kenebai, a grassroots mobilizer, is expected to bring renewed energy to the APC’s campaign in the constituency.
Similarly, Jude Rex-Ogbuku emerged as the APC candidate for Ogbia Federal Constituency. His emergence signals the party’s push to consolidate support in Ogbia, the local government area of former President Goodluck Jonathan and a traditional battleground in Bayelsa politics.
Rounding out the list of winners is Jonathan Obuebite, who picked the Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency ticket. Obuebite’s candidacy adds another layer of intrigue to the Nembe/Brass race, a constituency known for its complex political dynamics and high-stakes contests.
Party officials who monitored the exercise described it as peaceful, transparent, and largely rancour-free.
Speaking after the collation of results, a senior APC chieftain in the state said the mix of experienced lawmakers and first-time candidates reflects a deliberate strategy to “balance continuity with renewal.”
“The delegates have spoken. We have retained proven hands who understand the legislative process, and we have also injected new blood with a strong grassroots appeal. This is the team that will take APC to victory in 2027,” the chieftain said.
With the primaries now concluded, attention shifts to reconciliation and mobilisation as the party prepares to face opposition candidates in the general elections.
Analysts note that Bayelsa remains a competitive state, and the APC’s ability to unite its ranks after the primaries will be crucial to its performance at the polls.
The 2027 elections are still over a year away, but Saturday’s outcome has set the tone for what promises to be a hard-fought political season in the oil-rich state.
