Buhari’s son clinches Daura ticket as consensus arrangements, disqualifications, and allegations of imposition expose deep cracks inside APC ahead of 2027 elections.
By Baron Eloagu
ABUJA — May 17, 2026 — The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday concluded House of Representatives primary elections across several states amid dramatic victories, consensus deals, disqualifications, and protests that exposed intensifying political battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The primaries, originally scheduled for Friday before being postponed by the party leadership, produced a mix of elected and consensus candidates across federal constituencies, while allegations of candidate imposition and internal manipulation trailed exercises in some states.
The development comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged party members to avoid “do-or-die politics,” warning aspirants and delegates against actions capable of destabilising the party’s internal democratic process.
Yusuf Buhari Defeats Ex-DSS Boss’ Son in Katsina Showdown
One of the most closely watched contests unfolded in Katsina State, where Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, son of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, defeated Auwal Lawal Musa, son of former Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General Lawal Musa Daura, to secure the APC ticket for Daura Federal Constituency.
The outcome immediately drew national attention due to the political weight of both families within northern power circles and the APC establishment.
In the Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency, Governor Dikko Radda’s Special Assistant on Girl Child Education and Development, Hajiya Jamila Abdu Mani, secured victory after polling 24,989 votes against Ahmed Saleh Junior’s 1,256 votes.
Meanwhile, several constituencies in Katsina adopted consensus arrangements, including the emergence of Hamza Sule Faskari for Kankara/Faskari/Sabuwa and Usman Murtala Banye for Rimi/Charanchi/Batagarawa.
Speaker Abbas Secures Fifth-Term Bid Unopposed
In Kaduna State, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, secured the APC ticket for Zaria Federal Constituency unopposed after receiving endorsement from 1,376 delegates across 13 wards.
The outcome effectively positions Abbas for a fifth consecutive term in the House of Representatives, consolidating his influence within the party hierarchy.
Former lawmaker Samaila Suleiman also defeated Abdulaziz Kaka with 3,049 votes to 65 in the Kaduna North Federal Constituency contest.
Other winners across Kaduna included:
- Amos Gwamna (Zango Kataf/Jaba)
- Hamza Ibrahim (Soba)
- Mukthar Shehu Ladan
- Ahmad Muhammad Munir
- Benjamin Gugong
- Fidelix Joseph Bagudu
- Daniel Amos
- Gabriel Saleh
- Hussaini Muhammad Jalo, among others.
Political analysts say the Kaduna primaries reflected the growing influence of entrenched political blocs and strategic alliances ahead of the national elections.
Consensus Politics Dominates Kebbi APC Primaries
In Kebbi State, the APC heavily relied on consensus arrangements to avoid open confrontation among aspirants.
Former lawmaker Bello Yakubu Rilisco emerged as the party’s candidate for Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency after incumbent Ibrahim Bello and former polytechnic rector Usman Sani Tunga stepped down.
In a major upset, incumbent lawmaker Mansur Musa Jega lost his return ticket in Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro Federal Constituency following the emergence of former Nigeria Correctional Service Comptroller-General, Jafar Ahmed Jega, through consensus.
Other notable outcomes included:
- Salisu Garba Koko retaining Koko/Besse/Maiyama
- Umar Hassan Augie emerging for Argungu/Augie
- Bello Kaoje reaffirmed in Suru/Bagudo
- Yusuf Tanko Sununu returning in Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski.
However, tensions erupted in Zuru/Fakai/Sakaba/Danko Wasagu Federal Constituency, where supporters of rival aspirant Bashar Suleman Bajida protested the emergence of incumbent Kabir Ibrahim Tukura.
The protesters alleged lack of proper notification and accused party officials of manipulating the process.
Allegations of Candidate Imposition Rock Niger APC
The APC primaries in Niger State were overshadowed by protests and claims of imposed candidates in several constituencies.
While some constituencies adopted consensus models, others witnessed deep divisions among party loyalists.
In Chanchaga, incumbent lawmaker Abubakar Audu Buba reportedly withdrew from the race after entering the contest with two other aspirants.
However, primary elections reportedly failed to hold in Gurara/Tafa/Suleja Federal Constituency amid accusations that the party leadership attempted to impose the incumbent candidate.
Similar disagreements disrupted the Shiroro Federal Constituency exercise, further exposing widening fractures within the party structure at the grassroots level.
Political observers warn that unresolved disputes from the primaries could trigger defections or anti-party activities before the 2027 polls.
APC Releases Names of Disqualified Aspirants
In a separate development, the APC released the names of aspirants disqualified from contesting in the House of Representatives primaries across several states.
According to a statement by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the screening committees assessed aspirants using the party’s approved guidelines and procedures.
Disqualified Aspirants Include:
Ondo State
- Hon. Adefisoye Tajudeen
- Olusegun Victor Ategbole
- Seun Oluwashina Ajongbolo
- Rt. Hon. Arowole Ayodeji Samuel
- Morufu Tosin Ibrahim
- Oseni Oyeniyi
- Olaleye John Adedipe
Bauchi State
- Dr. Bashir Ibrahim Bello
Ebonyi State
- Hon. Idu Igariwe
Kogi State
- Sanni Salau Ogembe
Rivers State
- Air Commodore John Azubuike Opara (Rtd)
- Hon. Anderson Allison Igbiki
- Awaji Imombek D. Abirite
- Hon. Boma Goodhead
The party, however, did not publicly disclose the specific reasons for the disqualifications, fueling speculation among supporters and political stakeholders.
Tinubu Warns Against Political Violence
Ahead of the primaries, President Tinubu appealed to party members to uphold peace, fairness, and sportsmanship throughout the exercise.
“Keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country,” the President stated.
Despite the appeal, Saturday’s exercises revealed lingering tensions within the ruling party as power blocs intensify positioning for the 2027 elections.
The APC House of Representatives primaries have exposed both the strength and vulnerabilities of Nigeria’s ruling party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. While consensus arrangements helped avoid open conflict in some constituencies, protests, allegations of imposition, and controversial disqualifications underscored growing dissatisfaction within party ranks.
With heavyweight political families, incumbents, and influential newcomers battling for strategic seats, the outcome of the primaries may significantly shape the APC’s internal stability and electoral prospects in the coming years.
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