Shock as APC Disqualifies Ben Murray-Bruce, Top Aspirants Ahead of 2027 Primaries

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the names of 47 senatorial aspirants who were disqualified from participating in the party’s Senate primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The list of affected aspirants was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, following the conclusion of the party’s screening exercise for Senate hopefuls across the country.

According to the statement, the screening process was carried out by various committees constituted by the party in line with its internal procedures and guidelines for the conduct of the primaries.

“The screening exercise was conducted by the Party’s Screening Committees in accordance with established procedures and guidelines,” the statement read.

Among the most prominent names on the list is Ben Murray-Bruce, a former senator who represented Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Also disqualified from the same district was Benson S. Agadaga, who had equally sought the APC ticket for Bayelsa East.

The development has already sparked political reactions in several states, especially among supporters of aspirants who were denied clearance to participate in the highly anticipated primaries.

Rivers State recorded one of the highest numbers of disqualified aspirants, particularly in the Rivers West Senatorial District, where four major political figures failed to secure clearance. Those affected include Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, businessman and politician Jack-Rich Tein T.S, as well as former deputy governor Banigo Ipalibo.

Political observers say the Rivers list is particularly significant because of the ongoing political tensions and realignments within the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Zamfara State also witnessed a large number of disqualifications, with seven aspirants across the Central, North and West Senatorial Districts failing the screening process. The affected aspirants include Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi, Aliyu Abubakar, Muhammad Bashir Maru, Hassan Muhammad Gusau, Abubakar H. Moriiki, Bilyaminu Yusuf and Isyaka Ajiya Anka.

Despite the release of the names, the ruling party did not disclose the specific reasons why the aspirants were disqualified, leaving room for speculation within political circles.

Some party insiders, however, hinted that issues relating to documentation, party membership records, qualification requirements and compliance with internal party regulations may have contributed to the outcome of the screening exercise.

The disqualification list cuts across several states and geopolitical zones, affecting both established political figures and first-time aspirants seeking to contest under the APC platform.

In Adamawa State, Hamish Idris and Abdurman Kwacham from Adamawa North were not cleared by the screening committee.

Anambra State had Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue from Anambra North listed among those disqualified.

In Bayelsa State, apart from Ben Murray-Bruce and Benson Agadaga from Bayelsa East, Donald Daunemigita from Bayelsa West also failed to secure clearance.

Cross River State recorded the disqualification of Daniel Effiong Asuquo from Cross River South and Oden Ibiang O Ewa from Cross River Central.

Delta State had Marian Nnamaka Ogoha-Ali from Delta North on the list, while the Federal Capital Territory recorded the disqualification of Usman J. Wowo and Abubakar Umar Abdullahi.

In Jigawa State, Adam Mouktar Mohammed from Jigawa South/West was screened out.

Kebbi State had Garba Musa Mai Doki from Kebbi South affected by the exercise.

Kwara State produced four disqualified aspirants, namely Kollo B. Jiya from Kwara North, Olutola John Onijala, Awolola Muritala and Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga from Kwara South.

Nasarawa State also had multiple casualties, including Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu from Nasarawa North, alongside Usman Muhammed Elegu, Yusuf Moh’d Agabi and Ari Ali Muhammed from Nasarawa South.

In Niger State, Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq, Muhammed Bello A. and Bello Bawa Bwari were among those denied clearance for the Senate race.

Oyo State equally featured prominently with six aspirants disqualified across the three senatorial districts. They include Ademola Wasiu Alli, Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen and Hameed Afeez Repete from Oyo Central; Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega from Oyo North; and Kolapoboye Kola Daisi alongside Akinremi Alade Bolaji from Oyo South.

Plateau State recorded the disqualification of Gyang Yaya Zi San, Napoleon Binkap Bah and Usman Ephraim Gar from the North, South and Central districts respectively.

In Taraba State, Bello Abudullahi Bodejo from Taraba Central was not cleared, while Hassan H. Kafayos from Yobe North was also disqualified.

The APC is expected to proceed with its Senate primary elections in the coming days as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The latest development underscores the growing competition within the ruling party as aspirants battle for tickets in what is expected to be a fiercely contested electoral cycle.