The House of Representatives primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections have triggered a major internal crisis, following the defeat of at least 26 serving lawmakers seeking return tickets.

The outcome of the nationwide primaries has exposed deep divisions within the party, as several incumbent legislators lost their bids across multiple states, raising concerns over internal cohesion and party unity.

Investigations reveal that the wave of defeats cut across key states including Benue, Imo, Jigawa, Ondo, Plateau, Kwara, Nasarawa, Edo, Kebbi, and Delta, where intense contests, power struggles, and controversial consensus arrangements shaped the results.

In Benue State, the primaries highlighted a growing rift between allies of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and supporters of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Several lawmakers believed to be aligned with Akume lost their tickets to candidates backed by the state government, underscoring shifting political loyalties. Similarly, political tensions played out in Plateau State, where Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, failed to secure a third-term ticket after losing in a direct primary election.

In Imo State, four sitting lawmakers Miriam Onuoha, Harrison Nwadike, Emeka Martins Chinedu, and Matthew Nwogu were also unable to clinch return tickets, signaling a sweeping reshuffle within the party’s structure in the state.

The situation was no different in Jigawa State, where long-serving legislator Sa’idu Yusuf Miga lost his bid, bringing an end to his extended stay in the National Assembly.

Ondo State recorded one of the most significant upsets, with six out of nine APC members in the House of Representatives failing to secure tickets, further highlighting the scale of the internal shake-up.

The primaries have also been marred by allegations of imposition, manipulation, and exclusion, with several aggrieved aspirants threatening legal action and protests against the party leadership. Some contestants accused party leaders of orchestrating outcomes through consensus arrangements that sidelined popular candidates.

Despite the widespread losses, a number of high-ranking lawmakers successfully retained their tickets, including Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and Appropriations Committee Chairman Abba Bichi.

Political analysts warn that the fallout from the primaries could significantly impact the APC’s chances in the 2027 general elections, as discontent within the party may lead to defections, prolonged legal battles, and a possible realignment of political forces in the months ahead.