The political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections has been significantly altered following the release of an official screening outcome by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which indicated that 47 senatorial aspirants failed to qualify for participation in the party’s upcoming primaries. The development has generated widespread discussion across political circles, particularly because it affects a mix of established politicians, newcomers, and recent defectors who had been preparing to contest senatorial seats under the APC platform.
Among the most talked about names on the list is businessman and former senator Ben Murray-Bruce, whose inclusion has attracted national attention due to his political profile and previous experience in the National Assembly. The announcement has since become one of the most discussed internal party developments in recent months, as it reshapes expectations across multiple senatorial districts and raises questions about the party’s screening criteria.
APC Screening Exercise and Its Wider Political Impact
The APC leadership, through its National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, confirmed the release of the list containing aspirants who were not cleared to proceed to the senatorial primaries. While the party made the information public, it did not provide detailed explanations for each individual case, stating only that the screening process followed established internal guidelines.
This lack of specific reasoning has led to speculation among party members and political analysts, many of whom are trying to understand whether the disqualifications were based strictly on administrative requirements or influenced by broader strategic considerations within the party structure. The absence of clarity has also triggered conversations in several state chapters, where aspirants and supporters are seeking answers about the outcome.
The screening outcome has had a ripple effect across the country, especially in states where multiple aspirants were affected. In some cases, entire senatorial districts now face a reshuffling of potential candidates, which could significantly alter the political balance ahead of the primaries.
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High Profile Names and Political Reactions
The inclusion of well known political figures has intensified public interest in the list. Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who recently defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party in late 2025, was among those affected. He had been preparing to contest for the Bayelsa East senatorial seat, a position he previously held during his time in the National Assembly.
His disqualification, whether administrative or otherwise, has sparked reactions from supporters and political observers, many of whom are waiting for clarification from the party. Other notable figures across different states also appear on the list, reflecting the broad scope of the screening exercise.
In response to the development, Ben Murray-Bruce publicly stated that he remains in the race, insisting that his political ambition is still active. According to individuals close to his campaign, discussions are ongoing with party officials to resolve what they describe as a possible administrative issue. This has added another layer of uncertainty to an already complex political situation.
Full List of Disqualified APC Senatorial Aspirants
Below is the complete list of aspirants who were not cleared by the APC screening committee for the senatorial primaries, arranged according to their respective states and senatorial districts.
Adamawa State
Hamish Idris (Adamawa North)
Abdurman Kwacham (Adamawa North)
Anambra State
Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue (Anambra North)
Bayelsa State
Donald Daunemigita (Bayelsa West)
Ben Murray-Bruce (Bayelsa East)
Benson S. Agadaga (Bayelsa East)
Cross River State
Daniel Effiong Asuquo (Cross River South)
Oden Ibiang O. Ewa (Cross River Central)
Delta State
Marian Nnamaka Ogoha-Ali (Delta North)
Federal Capital Territory
Usman J. Wowo
Abubakar Umar Abdullahi
Jigawa State
Adam Mouktar Mohammed (Jigawa South West)
Kebbi State
Garba Musa Mai Doki (Kebbi South)
Kwara State
Kollo B. Jiya (Kwara North)
Olutola John Onijala (Kwara South)
Awolola Muritala (Kwara South)
Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga (Kwara South)
Nasarawa State
Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu (Nasarawa North)
Usman Muhammed Elegu (Nasarawa South)
Yusuf Moh’d Agabi (Nasarawa South)
Ari Ali Muhammed (Nasarawa South)
Niger State
Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq (Niger South)
Muhammed Bello A.
Bello Bawa Bwari (Niger South)
Oyo State
Ademola Wasiu Alli (Oyo Central)
Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega (Oyo North)
Kolapoboye Kola Daisi (Oyo South)
Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen (Oyo Central)
Hameed Afeez Repete (Oyo Central)
Akinremi Alade Bolaji (Oyo South)
Plateau State
Gyang Yaya Zi San (Plateau North)
Napoleon Binkap Bah (Plateau South)
Usman Ephraim Gar (Plateau Central)
Rivers State
Oyukaye Flag Amachree (Rivers West)
Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo (Rivers West)
Jack-Rich Tein T.S. (Rivers West)
Banigo Ipalibo (Rivers West)
Barry Balera Mwara (Rivers South East)
Taraba State
Bello Abudullahi Bodejo (Taraba Central)
Yobe State
Hassan H. Kafayos (Yobe North)
Zamfara State
Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi (Zamfara Central)
Aliyu Abubakar (Zamfara Central)
Additional internal documentation from some regional party secretariats is still being compiled and is expected to clarify remaining administrative details surrounding certain entries.
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What Happens Next for Affected Aspirants
Following the release of the screening outcome, the APC has confirmed that there is an official appeal process available for all affected aspirants. Those who were not cleared are expected to submit formal petitions to the party’s National Assembly Screening Appeal Committee for review.
This stage is considered critical, especially for high profile aspirants and politically influential figures whose ambitions depend on reversal or clarification of their status. The appeal process is expected to determine whether any of the listed names can be reinstated or whether the screening committee’s decision will remain final.
Political observers note that the next few days will be particularly important, as the outcome of appeals may influence the final list of candidates that will eventually contest the party primaries. For many aspirants, this is now the decisive moment that will determine whether their 2027 senatorial ambitions remain viable.
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Conclusion
The APC screening exercise has introduced a major shift in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. With 47 aspirants affected across multiple states, including prominent political figures and recent party defectors, the development has created uncertainty within several senatorial districts.
While the party has maintained that the process followed internal guidelines, the absence of detailed explanations has fueled speculation and debate. Attention now turns to the appeal process, which is expected to play a key role in resolving disputes and shaping the final list of candidates.
For now, the situation remains fluid, and the coming days are likely to be decisive in determining the political direction of many aspirants as they await final confirmation of their status within the APC senatorial race structure.
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