APC Shocks 46 Senatorial Hopefuls, Including Ben Murray-Bruce, Ahead of 2027 Primaries

In a dramatic prelude to the 2027 general elections, Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has barred 47 senatorial aspirants from its upcoming primary elections. The full list, released on Monday by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, includes high-profile disqualifications across multiple states.

Among the notable names is Ben Murray-Bruce (Bayelsa East), the flamboyant former senator known for his "Common Sense" social media commentary. Also disqualified from Bayelsa are Donald Daunemigita (Bayelsa West) and Benson S. Agadaga (Bayelsa East).

Rivers West recorded the highest number of disqualifications with four aspirants: Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein T.S. , and Banigo Ipalibo. Rivers South/East also lost Barry Balera Mwara.

Zamfara State had seven aspirants disqualified: Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi (Central), Aliyu Abubakar (Central), Muhammad Bashir Maru (Central), Hassan Muhammad Gusau (Central), Abubakar H. Moriiki (North), Bilyaminu Yusuf (North), and Isyaka Ajiya Anka (West).

Other disqualified aspirants include:

· Adamawa: Hamish Idris (North), Abdurman Kwacham (North)

· Anambra: Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue (North)

· Cross River: Daniel Effiong Asuquo (South), Oden Ibiang O Ewa (Central)

· Delta: Marian Nnamaka Ogoha-Ali (North)

· FCT: Usman J. Wowo, Abubakar Umar Abdullahi · Jigawa: Adam Mouktar

Mohammed (South/West) · Kebbi: Garba Musa Mai Doki (South)

· Kwara: Kollo B. Jiya (North), Olutola John Onijala (South), Awolola Muritala (South), Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga (South)

· Nasarawa: Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu (North), Usman Muhammed Elegu (South), Yusuf Moh’d Agabi (South), Ari Ali Muhammed (South)

· Niger: Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq (South), Muhammed Bello A. (South), Bello Bawa Bwari (South)

· Oyo: Ademola Wasiu Alli (Central), Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega (North), Kolapoboye Kola Daisi (South), Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen (Central), Hameed Afeez Repete (Central), Akinremi Alade Bolaji (South)

· Plateau: Gyang Yaya Zi San (North), Napoleon Binkap Bah (South), Usman Ephraim Gar (Central)

· Taraba: Bello Abudullahi Bodejo (Central)

· Yobe: Hassan H. Kafayos (North)

The APC did not provide reasons for the disqualifications, fueling speculation of intense internal party battles ahead of the 2027 polls.