There are signs that over 50 current members of the House of Representatives and some senators may not return to the National Assembly after the 2027 elections.
This followed the APC primary elections held across the country.
Although the party has not officially released all results, reports suggest the number of affected lawmakers could increase.
Many lawmakers were reportedly surprised at how quickly political support shifted against them.
For months, members of the National Assembly backed major government policies, including fuel subsidy removal, changes to the Electoral Act and other economic reforms, despite criticism from Nigerians over inflation and hardship.
Now, as the primaries continue, several lawmakers who supported the government are losing their tickets and discovering that loyalty does not always guarantee political survival.
Some aggrieved aspirants are considering legal action and have alleged that the primaries were not transparent.
Key lawmakers affected
Delta State
Nicholas Mutu (Bomadi/Patani) lost his return ticket.
Ngozi Lawrence Okolie lost Aniocha/Oshimili seat.
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and Senator Ned Nwoko also failed to secure tickets.
Cross River State Five serving House members lost their tickets, including:
Mike Etaba
Alex Egbona
Godwin Offiono
Emil Inyang
Bassey Akiba
Rivers State Lawmakers who lost include:
John Azubuike Opara
Anderson Allison Igbiki
Awaji Imombek Abiante
Boma Goodhead
Ekiti State Several lawmakers lost, including:
Abiodun Omoleye
Rufus Adeni Ojuawo
Ogun State Five serving lawmakers failed to secure return tickets.
Enugu State Two former Labour Party lawmakers who joined APC also lost.
Senator challenges outcome
Kogi East Senator Jibrin Isah criticised the APC primary process after losing.
He alleged that voting did not properly take place in some areas and claimed results had already been prepared before the exercise.
He warned that political tensions inside the party could increase ahead of 2027.
Complaints over process
House member Teju Okuyiga from Ekiti also rejected the outcome.
She claimed:
Electoral guidelines were ignored.
Delegates were prevented from voting in some places.
Results were allegedly allocated instead of earned.
Former INEC official’s warning
Former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini had earlier warned lawmakers that weaknesses in the Electoral Act could later work against them.
According to him, lawmakers who fail to support stronger electronic transmission of election results may eventually become victims of the same system.
Analyst’s view
Communication expert Nduka Odo said lawmakers are now experiencing problems created by laws they supported.
According to him, excessive political control by governors and loyalty to party leaders weakened internal democracy.
He argued that although the current system has flaws, electoral reforms could eventually strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
