APC primaries: Senators stranded, lose tickets as anti-defection law backfires
Several serving All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in Nigeria lost their return tickets in primaries ahead of the 2027 National Assembly elections due to the party’s anti-defection law, including Ned Nwoko, Neda Imasuen, and Jibrin Isah. The law, aimed at preventing defections like Peter Obi’s 2023 switch from the PDP to Labour Party, backfired by disqualifying some APC lawmakers who failed to meet its strict party membership rules.
The anti-defection provisions in Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 caused chaos during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, leaving several serving senators without return tickets ahead of the 2027 National Assembly elections. Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North lost to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, while Senator Neda Imasuen of Edo South was defeated by Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, and Senator Jibrin Isah of Kogi East lost to Dr. Erico Ameh. Additionally, Senators Ipalibo Banigo, Benson Agadaga, and Abdulhamid Madori were disqualified during screening for failing to meet the new party membership requirements. The law was introduced in March 2026 to prevent last-minute defections, following former Anambra Governor Peter Obi’s switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party before the 2023 elections. The amendment to Section 83 of the Electoral Act barred politicians from switching parties after membership registers were submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While lawmakers believed the rule would primarily target opposition figures, it instead disqualified some APC senators who had not complied with the new provisions. Despite the setbacks, other APC senators secured return tickets through consensus or uncontested nominations. Senate President Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom North-West won with 121,425 votes, while Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also retained their positions. Three Borno State senators—Kaka Shehu Lawan, Ali Ndume, and Shehu Sani—were also returned unopposed. The primaries highlighted the unintended consequences of the anti-defection law, which was designed to strengthen party loyalty but instead created internal divisions. The APC now faces challenges in maintaining unity ahead of the 2027 elections, as the law’s strict enforcement has left some lawmakers stranded. The situation underscores the complexities of electoral reforms in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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