Gwamna, Chinda Win, Sharafadeen Alli Leads In Oyo, As APC Postpones Primaries In 3 States

An ally of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike,  Kingsley Chinda has emerged the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State while Sharafadeen Alli is reported to be leading in Oyo State. Among those in the governorship race for Oyo State is former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.  This comes as the party postponed the governorship primaries in Kwara and  Bauchi states.

The postponement in Bauchi and Kwara is due to crises over the process for election, Daily Trust gathered.

The governors of Kwara, Gombe, Adamawa, Nasarawa,  Ogun and Yobe states had before yesterday all chosen the persons they preferred to fly the flag of the party in the general elections.

Daily Trust reports that direct primaries held in at least three states of Gombe, Oyo, Taraba, where the aspirants disagreed with the choices of their governors as their preferred successors.

In states where the sitting governors are seeking second terms, our correspondent report that they were all returned unopposed.

They are  Governors Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).

The APC yesterday rescheduled the Governorship Primary Elections in Bauchi and Kwara States to (today) Friday, May 22, 2026.

The party also approved the rescheduling of the State House of Assembly Primary Elections for Maradun I and Maradun II Constituencies in Zamfara State to Sunday, May 24, 2026.

A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the decision was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) following consultations with relevant stakeholders and in furtherance of the party’s commitment to ensuring transparent, orderly, peaceful, and credible primary election process.

Kwara APC postpones governorship primary amid rising tension

Confusion engulfed the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday after the party abruptly suspended its governorship primary election while voting was already ongoing in parts of the state.

The development further exposed growing tension within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The sudden postponement also came a day after the party was forced to reverse the disqualification of scores of House of Assembly aspirants across the state.

In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Olawale Babatunde, announced that the governorship primary earlier fixed for Thursday had been shifted to Friday, May 22, 2026.

“The Governorship Primary Election earlier scheduled for today, Thursday, 21st May 2026, has been rescheduled to Friday, 22nd May,” the statement read.

The party appealed to members and aspirants to remain calm and peaceful ahead of the rescheduled exercise.

The announcement, however, created confusion in several wards as party members had already gathered and, in some areas, voting processes had commenced before news of the postponement spread.

Interestingly, Babatunde had earlier told Daily Trust on Thursday that the exercise would proceed as planned.

The aspirants include Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, Dr Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, Engr. Femi Sanni, Dr Tajudeen Alabi, Aisha Ahmad-Patigi, Mohammed Bio, Musiliat Yetunde Adebowale, Dr Muideen Salako and Captain Ahmad Mahmoud.

Supporters of APC gov’ship protest over alleged imposition in Bauchi 

Members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Bauchi State supporting the gubernatorial aspiration of Nura Manu Soro, staged a protest against alleged imposition and demanded fair and just conduct of the gubernatorial primaries of the party.

The supporters who displayed their membership cards of the APC, went round Bauchi town, demanding that the committee saddled with the responsibility of conducting the primary elections should ensure that the guidelines are duly followed.

The protesters were, however, not allowed to access the state secretariat of the party as the entire premises was condoned off by fully armed police operatives while the Maiduguri bypass leading to the secretariat was barricaded.

Addressing journalists, one of the directors of the Nura Manu Soro Campaign Organization for 2027, Dr Auwalu Babajada, said, “Purposely, this population you are seeing here, was invited because we realised that the conduct of the primaries is not what it used to be and we realised that people sit at home and decide the fate of aspirants.”

How the contest went in Gombe, Taraba

In Gombe State, Dr Jamilu Ishiaku Gwamna, was declared as the governorship candidate  following the conclusion of its primary election held across the state.

Gwamna was earlier picked as the consensus candidate of the APC by stakeholders of the party during a meeting convened by Governor Muhammmad Inuwa Yahaya. Announcing the result, the chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi, said the exercise was conducted in line with the Electoral Act 2022, as well as the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC.

He disclosed that a total of 556,081 accredited voters participated in the exercise which he said was conducted across all the 11 local government areas of the state.

Dr Gwamna emerged winner of the primary election after polling 247,161 votes to defeat the two other aspirants in the race.

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami scored 12,120 votes to emerge as the first runner-up, while former Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, who polled 11, 612 votes, emerged as second runner-up.

Senator Danladi further revealed that the committee received written notices of withdrawal from two of the aspirants, Prof. Pantami and Senator  Alkali.

He, however, noted that the withdrawal letters were submitted after the commencement of the electoral process, adding that their names had already appeared on the ballot papers and votes were still recorded for them.

In Taraba, the state governor, Agbu Kefas contested the APC governorship ticket alongside former Minister of Works, Sambo Jaji, following the withdrawal of front line aspirant, David Sabo Kente, from the race on Thursday.

Speaking shortly after voting, Kefas commended party members and officials for ensuring a smooth and peaceful exercise across the state.

He cast his vote at Nurul/Wapan-Nghaku Primary School, Hospital Ward, in Wukari Local Government Area, where party members participated in the direct primary election to choose the party’s governorship candidate.

The exercise was supervised by the chairman of the APC election committee and returning officer, Samuel Agbu.

Jaji, shortly after casting his vote at Shintili ward in Jalingo said the election was peaceful. The results were being awaited at press time.

Hamzat, Adeola win APC tickets in Lagos, Ogun; Alli leads in Oyo 

In Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli was reportedly leading other ten aspirants in the primary, polling 578,143 votes.

He was reportedly followed by Senator Fatai Buhari with 37,265 votes, while former Minister of Power,  Adebayo Adelabu, secured 19,193 votes. Earlier, Adelabu  alleged irregularities during the primary election held across the state.

Speaking with journalists after voting at Ward 9, Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, Adelabu described the exercise in his ward as peaceful, transparent and credible, noting that he enjoyed overwhelming support from party members in the area.

According to him, out of about 437 registered party members in the ward, over 430 voted in his favour.

“This is my ancestral home and my natural ward. I am satisfied with what we witnessed here today. The process was peaceful, free and fair without any violence or intimidation,” he said.

However, the APC chieftain alleged that reports from several wards across the state indicated cases of electoral misconduct, intimidation and manipulation of results.

Adelabu claimed that in some wards, elections were allegedly conducted before the officially scheduled time, while in others, party members were prevented from voting through intimidation and violence.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, emerged as the governorship candidate of the APC. Hamzat defeated his challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, in the exercise which party officials described as peaceful and transparent.

The deputy governor’s emergence followed endorsements from influential structures within the Lagos APC, including the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), while some other aspirants had stepped down ahead of the primary.

Among those who withdrew from the race in support of Hamzat were Babajide Adeniran, popularly known as Jandor, and Samuel Mawuyon Àjọe, also known as SMA Gold.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who openly supported Hamzat’s candidacy, commended the conduct of the direct primary, saying it allowed grassroots party members to freely choose their preferred aspirant.

Speaking after casting his vote in Epe, Hamzat described the primary as a contest of ideas rather than a political confrontation.

“It’s a competition of ideas. How do we move our people forward? So we intend to move people forward, to develop the state; we don’t need to fight. As you can see, we are peaceful. So that’s the momentum that we are taking to the election. We are not concerned about fighting,” he said.

In Ogun State, the senator representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, earlier picked as consensus candidate by the vast majority of the APC aspirants and leaders including Governor Dapo Abiodun, emerged as the party candidate.

Despite Adeola’s adoption, former commissioner, Abayomi Hunye, who later picked APC forms, eventually forced the party to hold direct primary.

Adeola, who took part in the primary held across the state, said the exercise was peaceful and demonstrated the unity and cohesion within the party.

The senator stated further that the turnout of party members during the direct primary exercise is a strong indication that the party remains formidable and poised to achieve landslide victories at the 2027 general poll. The senator who polled 3,023 votes at the Pahayi Ilaro Ward 2, later monitored the exercise in Ilaro Ward 2 and Sabo Ward 3.

Uba Sani clinches ticket

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election after securing 459,393 affirmation votes at the party’s primary election held on Thursday.

Governor Sani, who contested as the sole aspirant, received a resounding endorsement from delegates and stakeholders across the state in what party leaders described as a strong vote of confidence in his leadership, performance and political direction.

The primary election, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), drew top APC leaders, elected officials, delegates and supporters across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Announcing the result, Chairman of the Kaduna APC Governorship and House of Assembly Primary Election Committee, Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu, described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and reflective of the growing unity and internal cohesion within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.

Rivers: Chinda declared winner

The APC has officially declared Chinda Kingsley as its governorship candidate for Rivers State after emerging as the sole aspirant in the party’s primary election held on Thursday.

The declaration was made by the Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee in Rivers State, Barr. Bitrus Kwamoti, who also served as the returning officer for the exercise.

Kwamoti, while announcing the outcome at the coalition centre, commended the conduct of party stakeholders and expressed satisfaction with the process, describing it as peaceful and orderly.

He added that the committee monitored the process across multiple locations before arriving at the collation centre, noting that the exercise met expectations.

Katsina APC affirms Dikko Radda 

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has also been affirmed as the sole consensus candidate that will contest the gubernatorial seat in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The affirmation took place at people’s square at the governor house where thousands of party supporters gathered to show their affirmation on the party decision to field the governor for the second time.

In his address, chairman of party reconciliation committee during the consensus process and former Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari, stated that it is very vital to thank those that have seen reasons behind the consensus and cooperated with the committee to attain a fair level ground for the party to succeed.

Similarly, Dr Yakubu Maccido, the chairman of the Electoral Committee for the Governorship Consensus Exercise, said 160 delegates unanimously affirmed Radda as the party’s candidate.

Kebbi: Idris secures second term ticket

Stakeholders from the 21 local government areas of Kebbi State have affirmed Governor Nasir Idris as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election in the state.

The affirmation ceremony conducted by the APC National Committee for Gubernatorial Primaries led by Abdulmalik Muhamud, the Gubernatorial Primaries Appeal Committee and INEC officials was held at the Alieru Abdu Township Stadium in Birnin Kebbi.

While declaring that Governor Idris was duly affirmed, Muhamud said all due processes stipulated by the Electoral Act and the party’s guidelines were observed.

“The process was transparent, credible, and in line with the constitution of our great party. Governor Nasir Idris stands affirmed as the APC consensus candidate for Kebbi State,” he said.

Governor Idris was the sole aspirant to purchase the gubernatorial nomination and expression of interest forms from the APC National Headquarters in Abuja.

Gov Yusuf affirmed in Kano

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was also officially affirmed as the sole governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections.

The affirmation, held Thursday at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, followed his earlier adoption through consensus by party stakeholders.

Governor Yusuf, who defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to APC earlier this year, was unanimously endorsed after all other aspirants who showed interest to contest endorsed him as sole candidate.

APC leaders, including his Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila, members of the House of Representatives and other party chieftains were present at the event.

Speaking shortly after his affirmation, Governor Yusuf said the move is a strategic step to strengthen party unity and consolidate Kano as a stronghold ahead of the polls.

He also said that the state APC has presented itself as one of the most organised in the country, having successfully filled most of its candidates through consensus.

He assured other candidates that the party will emerge victorious in the state from local up to the federal level.

Bago secures APC flag

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago also secured ticket for a second term through affirmation. The affirmation exercise was held at the APC State Secretariat in Minna, the Niger State capital.

Governor Bago emerged unopposed after APC card-carrying members from all 277 wards across the state unanimously endorsed him as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Niger State.

Gov Aliyu gets second term ticket 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State affirmed Governor Ahmed Aliyu as its governorship candidate ahead of the forthcoming election amid support from party members and stakeholders across the state.

The affirmation exercise attracted a large turnout of delegates, party faithful, youths, women groups and political stakeholders, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of confidence in the governor’s leadership and performance.

Speaking at the event, the leader of the APC National Headquarters Affirmation Committee, Alhaji Muktari Birninwa, said the committee was in Sokoto on behalf of the party’s national leadership to conduct a peaceful, transparent and credible exercise in line with the APC constitution and democratic principles.

Oborevwori emerges in Delta  

The Delta State Governor  State, Sheriff Oborevwori, emerged as the unopposed governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections..

Oborevwori emerged candidate unopposed with  345,375 votes in the party’s primary election held on Thursday.

The chairman of the primary election panel and returning officer, Vita Abba Okafor,  who announced the result in Asaba, declared Oborevwori winner of the exercise.

He  said Oborevwori returned as the party’s candidate after satisfying the constitutional requirements and guidelines of the APC. (Daily trust)