2026 APC Primaries Shock: 50 Reps Fall as New Electoral Law Cuts Godfatherism

*2026 APC Primaries Shock: 50 Reps Fall as New Electoral Law Cuts Godfatherism*

*Brief Summary*

The APC House of Representatives primaries held nationwide over the weekend of May 16, 2026, produced a major upset. 

At least 48 sitting APC Reps lost their tickets, with 2 more not contesting to run for higher office. 

That means no fewer than 50 current members of the 10th House will not return to the 11th House in 2027.

*Key Surprises*

The margins of defeat suggest widespread voter dissatisfaction with some incumbent performances - An indication of a transparent, responsive democracy.

Party officials and analysts link the scale of the losses to the 2026 Electoral Act, which scrapped consensus imposition by godfathers and the outright replacement of delegates system that reduce bribery and direct imposition. 

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu won their tickets, but several high-profile lawmakers fell.

*Key Non-Returning Representatives*

Based on results released so far:

1. *Nicholas Mutu* – Bomadi/Patani, Delta State. In the House since 1999, lost bid for another term.

2. *Mike Etaba* – Obubra/Etung, Cross River. Missed fourth term ticket.

3. *Julius Ihonvbere* – Majority Leader, Owan Federal Constituency, Edo State. Polled 1,005 votes out of 7,587, came third behind Andrew Ijegbia who won with 3,695 votes.

4. *Yusuf Adamu Gagdi* – Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam, Plateau State. Lost third term bid. John Tongshinen won with 29,968 votes to Gagdi’s under 6,000.

5. *David Ogewu* – Oju/Obi, Benue State. Lost to Peter Egbodo 12,993 to 120 votes.

6. *Asema Achado* – Gwer West/Gwer East, Benue State. Lost to David Nongo 729 to 19,729 votes.

7. *Sesoo Gboko* – Vandeikya/Konshisha, Benue State. Lost to Livinus Tsar 693 to 28,549 votes.

8. *Jeremiah Umaru* – Wamba/Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State. Lost to Tony Bala Shammah 4,061 to 38,333 votes.

9. *Ali Abdul-Mumin Muhammad* – Nasarawa/Toto, Nasarawa State. Defeated in primaries.

10. *Danladi Jatau* – Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, ran for Kokona/Keffi/Karu. Lost to Daniel Oga Ogazi 5,873 to 13,083 votes.

The total is expected to rise as APC releases full results and opposition parties hold primaries.

*How the 2026 Electoral Law Changed the Game*

The 2026 Electoral Act removed the old “consensus” clause that allowed godfathers to impose candidates. 

It mandates direct or indirect primaries with verifiable delegates, stricter timelines for result submission, and stiffer penalties for vote buying.

The effect was immediate. In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s camp swept most seats, defeating several Akume loyalists and incumbents. 

In Nasarawa, sitting lawmakers lost to state assembly members and newcomers. The new rules made it harder for money and godfather orders to override grassroots delegates.

*Impact*

1. *Voters*: More say in who represents them at primaries.

2. *Incumbents*: No automatic return ticket. Performance and grassroots link now matter.

3. *Party*: APC risks losing experienced legislators but gains fresh faces and reduced internal rancor.

4. *Democracy*: Weakens godfatherism, though money and delegate inducement remain challenges.

*Recommendations*

1. *INEC and Parties*: Publish delegate lists and results polling unit by polling unit to improve transparency.

2. *EFCC/ICPC*: Monitor primaries for vote buying and prosecute offenders.

3. *Aspirants*: Invest in constituency engagement early, not just delegate bribing.

4. *Civil Society*: Run voter education on the new law so delegates understand their power.

5. *APC*: Provide post-primary reconciliation to prevent mass defections before 2027.

*Conclusion*

*The 2026 primaries show the 2026 Electoral Act is biting. Godfatherism is weaker, and incumbency is no longer a guarantee*

If INEC and parties enforce the law, Nigeria may see more competitive, issue-based primaries. 

But without real punishment for bribery, the new system risks replacing one form of manipulation with another. 

The real test comes in the 2027 general elections.

Reference