..Akpabio, Barau, Bamidele Secure Return

Several serving Senators lost their bids for a return to the National Assembly on Monday, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) held primaries to pick candidates for the January 16, 2027, National Assembly elections.

The biggest upset came in Delta North, where Senator Ned Nwoko was defeated by former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa by a wide margin.

In Edo South, Senator Neda Imasuen lost to former House of Representatives member, Omorgie Ogbeida-Ihama. Similarly, Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, was beaten in Kogi East by Dr Erico Ameh.

Some Senators did not get the chance to contest at all after failing the party’s screening process earlier Monday.

Those disqualified included Banigo Ipalibo of Rivers West, Benson Agadaga of Bayelsa East, and Abdulhamid Madori of Jigawa North West.

Despite the losses, several prominent Senators secured return tickets, mostly through consensus and affirmation.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, was affirmed as the APC candidate for Akwa Ibom North West with 121,425 votes.

Also, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, secured Kano North, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele won Ekiti Central.

Borno State returned all three of its Senators unopposed: Kaka Shehu Lawan for Borno Central, Tahir Monguno for Borno North, and Ali Ndume for Borno South.

Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, also got the Yobe North ticket through affirmation.

In Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu won an outright contest, polling 65,651 votes against 2,103 votes for his challenger, Philip Nto.

Results from other Senatorial Districts were still being collated at the time of filing this report.