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  • Yahaya Bello Floors Rivals, Clinches APC Kogi Central Senate Ticket

    Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Kogi Central after recording a landslide victory in the exercise held on Monday.

    The direct primary election was conducted across the five local government areas in the Kogi Central Senatorial District, with party members voting to determine the APC candidate for the 2027 general elections.

    Bello Defeats Rivals by Huge Margin

    Announcing the results in Okene, the Returning Officer, Dr. Sadiq Mohammed, described the primary as peaceful, orderly, and credible.

    According to the results announced, Yahaya Bello secured a total of 72,399 votes to defeat Ibrahim Adoke, who polled 319 votes, while Momoh Yusuf Obaro received 188 votes.

    The former governor reportedly swept all five local government areas in the district.

    Breakdown of Votes Across LGAs

    Bello polled 18,341 votes in Adavi Local Government Area, 10,298 votes in Ajaokuta, 5,146 votes in Ogori/Magongo, 8,943 votes in Okehi, and recorded his highest tally of 29,621 votes in Okene Local Government Area.

    The returning officer said the outcome reflected the confidence party members had in Bello’s leadership and political structure across the district.

    “The exercise was peaceful and the outcome demonstrated the commitment of the APC to internal democracy,” he stated.

    APC Candidate for 2027 Senate Race

    With the victory, Yahaya Bello has now secured the APC ticket for the Kogi Central senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The former governor is expected to face candidates from other political parties in what is already shaping into one of the closely watched senatorial contests in Kogi State.

  • APC Makes U-Turn on Senate Primary Ban List, Removes Ben Murray-Bruce, Four Others

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has revised its earlier list of senatorial aspirants barred from participating in the party’s Senate primaries, removing five names including former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce in a fresh update released on Monday.

    The updated document, signed by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, reduced the number of affected aspirants from 47 to 44.

    APC Removes Ben Murray-Bruce From Initial List

    Former Bayelsa East senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, whose name appeared on the earlier list of disqualified aspirants, was absent from the revised version released by the ruling party.

    The APC did not provide any official explanation for the sudden removal of his name.

    Four other aspirants also removed from the original list include Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue from Anambra North, Gyang Yaya Zi San from Plateau North, Napoleon Binkap Bah from Plateau South, and Usman Ephraim Gar from Plateau Central.

    Fresh Names Added to Updated Document

    The party also introduced fresh changes to the revised list.

    Ibrahim Bala from Nasarawa West was newly listed among aspirants not cleared for the primaries, while Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana from the same district was recorded as having voluntarily withdrawn from the race.

    The APC also adjusted the status of some aspirants previously marked as “not cleared.”

    Benson Agadaga of Bayelsa East and Donald Daunemigita of Bayelsa West were reclassified as voluntary withdrawals.

    Garba Musa Mai Doki from Kebbi South was listed as having defected from the party, while Adam Mouktar Mohammed from Jigawa South/West was marked absent during screening.

    APC Calls for Transparency Ahead of Primaries

    In the statement accompanying the revised document, APC spokesman Felix Morka urged stakeholders to ensure transparency and orderliness throughout the primary election process.

    “The APC urges all stakeholders to uphold transparency, orderliness, and the integrity of the ongoing Primary Election process,” the statement read.

    The updated list contains aspirants across several states who were either not cleared, withdrew voluntarily, defected, or failed to appear before the screening committee.

    The development has continued to generate reactions within political circles as parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Yahaya Bello Reportedly Denied APC Senate Screening Clearance Over Alleged Non-Appearance

    Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has reportedly been denied clearance to participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary screening in Kogi State after he allegedly failed to appear before the party’s screening panel.

    The development was contained in a list of screened APC senatorial aspirants reportedly issued from the Kogi State Secretariat of the ruling party.

    Conflicting Reports Over Clearance Status

    The latest development comes amid conflicting accounts, as earlier reports had indicated that Bello was among aspirants cleared by the APC screening committee for the Kogi Central senatorial race.

    That earlier list reportedly placed him among 17 aspirants approved for the party’s primaries scheduled for Monday.

    However, fresh claims suggest a reversal of that position following the screening exercise.

    Allegations Of Non-Appearance At Screening

    Party sources quoted in local reports alleged that the former governor did not appear before the screening panel, leading to his disqualification from the process.

    One source claimed Bello “didn’t participate in the screening exercise” and was therefore not cleared to proceed.

    Another source also alleged that his absence may be linked to concerns surrounding ongoing legal and corruption-related proceedings, although no official confirmation has been issued by the party.

    The APC is yet to release a formal clarification on the status of the former governor’s clearance.

    Senate Ambition Amid Legal Controversy

    Bello is seeking the APC ticket to contest for Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, where he is expected to face the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    His political comeback bid has continued to attract attention due to ongoing corruption trials before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting him in separate cases involving allegations of money laundering, criminal breach of trust and diversion of public funds.

    He has, however, consistently denied all allegations and maintained his plea of not guilty.

    Uncertainty Still Surrounds APC List

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from the APC National Secretariat regarding Bello’s final screening status, leaving room for uncertainty within the party’s Kogi structure.

  • Ndume Clinches APC Borno South Senate Ticket Unopposed, Eyes Fifth Term In 2027

    Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Borno South, setting him up for a possible fifth term in the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Ndume emerged unopposed at the party’s primary held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, after a consensus arrangement among stakeholders.

    Consensus Deal Clears Way For Ndume

    The lawmaker was adopted as the APC candidate following the withdrawal of his main challenger, Abdullahi Askira, Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly.

    Askira reportedly stepped down after consultations with party leaders and stakeholders in the senatorial district, paving the way for Ndume’s affirmation.

    With no opposition left in the race, Ndume was formally declared the party’s flag bearer through a consensus process.

    Ndume Appreciates Party Stakeholders

    Speaking after his emergence, Ndume expressed appreciation to APC leaders, elders, and party members in Borno South for their continued support.

    “I want to thank our elders in Borno South Senatorial District for their unwavering support for me. I want to reassure them that I will continue to promote their interest at all times,” he said.

    He also commended Askira for stepping down from the race, describing his decision as a demonstration of party loyalty and unity.

    “I must not fail to commend Honourable Askira, who listened to persuasions and appeals of the party leaders and took the decision to drop his aspiration. Your loyalty to the party is exemplary,” he added.

    Ndume urged stakeholders to remain united as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Set For Fifth Term In Senate

    If elected in 2027, Ndume will extend his long-standing legislative career with a fifth term in the Senate, following earlier years in the House of Representatives before moving to the upper chamber.

  • APC Drops Ben Murray-Bruce, Banigo, 45 Others From 2027 Senate Primaries

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

    The party confirmed that a total of 47 aspirants failed to scale through the screening process conducted by its screening committees in line with party guidelines and procedures.

    Big Names Missing From APC Clearance List

    Among the prominent names not cleared by the party are former Bayelsa East senator, Ben Murray-Bruce; former Rivers deputy governor, Senator Banigo Ipalibo; former Kebbi senator, Garba Musa Mai Doki; and Bello Abdullahi Bodejo from Taraba State.

    The APC explained that the screening exercise covered aspirants from different senatorial districts across the country ahead of the party’s primaries.

    Oyo, Rivers, Zamfara Record Highest Numbers

    Several aspirants from Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara states were also excluded from the list of cleared candidates.

    Those affected from Oyo include Kolapoboye Kola Daisi, Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega, Hameed Afeez Repete and others contesting across the state’s senatorial districts.

    In Rivers State, notable aspirants not cleared include Jack-Rich Tein, Tamunobaabo Danagogo, Barry Balera Mwara and Banigo Ipalibo.

    Zamfara State also recorded multiple disqualifications, with aspirants such as Muhammad Bashir Maru, Hassan Muhammad Gusau and Bilyaminu Yusuf among those affected.

    APC Insists Screening Followed Due Process

    The party maintained that the screening process was conducted according to established procedures and internal regulations guiding the conduct of its primaries.

    Although APC did not publicly state specific reasons for the disqualification of each aspirant, the development has already generated reactions within political circles across several states.

    The Senate primaries are expected to hold ahead of the 2027 general elections as political parties continue internal consultations and candidate selection processes nationwide.

  • Desmond Elliott Cries Out Over ‘Intimidation’ as Barakat Declares for Surulere APC Ticket

    The battle for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Surulere Constituency I of the Lagos State House of Assembly has intensified after actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliott alleged intimidation and political victimisation ahead of the party’s direct primary scheduled for May 20.

    The lawmaker, who is seeking a fourth term in office, raised concerns in a viral video on Sunday, claiming that some APC members supporting him were allegedly being pressured to back another aspirant.

    Desmond Elliott Raises Alarm

    Elliott alleged that some of his supporters working within the local government system had allegedly lost their jobs because of their political stance.

    He also claimed that his security aides were withdrawn without explanation, describing the development as disturbing ahead of the APC primary.

    The lawmaker, however, appealed to his supporters not to be intimidated and urged party members to ensure a peaceful and transparent primary election process.

    “I appeal for a free and fair primary. Nobody should be intimidated,” Elliott said in the video circulating online.

    Barakat Declares, Says Aspirants Stepped Down

    Meanwhile, Barrister Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare, popularly known as BBA, officially declared her ambition during a gathering held at The Stable in Bode Thomas, Surulere.

    Speaking at the event, Barakat stated that other aspirants in the race had stepped down to support her ambition, leaving Elliott as the only remaining challenger.

    “The others stepped down and are supporting me and they’re all here, but the only person that didn’t step down and insisted on going to the primaries is Hon. Desmond Elliott,” she said.

    “I wish him all the best, and I wish myself luck too. I’m praying that on Wednesday, I emerge as the APC candidate.”

    Major Blow Hits Elliott’s Camp

    The declaration event also witnessed a major political twist after Bless Koye, who served as Director-General of Desmond Elliott’s fourth-term campaign organisation, publicly defected to Barakat’s camp.

    Koye openly announced his support for Barakat during the event, a move that immediately sparked reactions among party supporters in Surulere.

    Barakat, a lawyer and former Special Adviser on Housing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is believed to have secured backing from influential APC stakeholders ahead of the primary.

    Primary Battle Tightens

    Political observers say the Surulere APC primary has now become one of the most closely watched assembly contests in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    While Elliott is banking on his incumbency and political structure within the constituency, Barakat appears to be gaining momentum with endorsements and growing support from party leaders and grassroots mobilisers.

    Party members in the constituency have meanwhile been urged to maintain peace as the APC prepares for Wednesday’s direct primary election.

  • APC Clears Yahaya Bello, Karimi For Kogi Senatorial Primaries

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly Screening Committee has cleared former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, and Kogi West senator, Sunday Karimi, for the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for Monday.

    The committee approved 17 aspirants across Kogi State’s three senatorial districts ahead of the APC primary elections.

    Yahaya Bello Confirmed For Kogi Central Race

    Yahaya Bello, whose eligibility had sparked political speculation in recent days, was officially cleared after his name appeared on the list of approved aspirants for the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

    The former governor is expected to battle Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke for the APC ticket.

    The development has already stirred reactions within political circles in the state.

    Karimi Emerges Consensus Candidate

    In Kogi West, Sunday Karimi reportedly emerged as the consensus candidate after a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Usman Ododo at the Government House in Lokoja.

    Although six other aspirants, including former senator Smart Adeyemi, were also cleared, observers believe the consensus arrangement may strengthen Karimi’s position ahead of the primary.

    Karimi is currently serving as senator representing Kogi West.

    Seven Cleared In Kogi East

    For Kogi East Senatorial District, seven aspirants were cleared by the screening committee.

    Those approved include incumbent senator Isah Echocho, Joseph Ameh and Murtala Ajaka.

    The APC primaries are expected to shape early political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Cubana Chief Priest Speaks After APC Primary Loss, Declares Loyalty To Tinubu

    Celebrity barman and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has broken his silence following his loss in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives seat in Imo State.

    In a lengthy Instagram post, the nightlife entrepreneur addressed criticisms and online reactions trailing his failed bid, insisting that his political ambition was personal and not backed by any financial obligation to anyone.

    “I am not indebted to anybody” — Cubana Chief Priest

    He stated that his decision to contest was driven by personal conviction and a desire to serve his constituency.

    “One disturbing dimension of the entire development is that some persons who should ordinarily know better have unfortunately joined in the unnecessary cruise and misinformation,” he wrote.

    “For the records, I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. The aspiration was entirely mine, driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve,” he added.

    ‘No regret’ over political ambition

    Cubana Chief Priest maintained that he has no regrets about his participation in the primary election, noting that his movement helped raise political awareness in the constituency ahead of the polls.

    He added that democratic participation and engagement were more important than the outcome of the contest.

    “I have absolutely no regret whatsoever in raising the political stakes and consciousness in our constituency leading to the primaries,” he said.

    Reaffirms loyalty to Tinubu

    The celebrity businessman also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he remains committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Renewed Hope agenda.

    He insisted that his focus will now shift to political mobilisation and support for the ruling party ahead of future elections.

    Cubana Chief Priest’s reaction comes amid widespread online commentary following reports that he lost the primary election by a wide margin.

  • Hellen Ati Mocks Cubana Chief Priest Over APC Primary Election Defeat

    Social media personality Hellen Ati has reacted to reports that celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives seat in Imo State.

    In a viral video circulating online, Hellen Ati was seen dancing and celebrating while mocking the nightlife promoter over the reported outcome of the primary election.

    ‘Let Him Go And Cry’

    Reacting in the video, Hellen Ati expressed happiness over the defeat and taunted Cubana Chief Priest with remarks that quickly generated reactions online.

    “What God cannot do does not exist. I’m happy because he lost his primary election, let him go and cry,” she said while dancing.

    The video has since sparked conversations across social media platforms, with users sharing mixed reactions to her comments.

    Cubana Lost APC Ticket

    Cubana Chief Priest had contested for the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    However, he lost the primary election to Canice Moore Nwachukwu, the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency.

    Nwachukwu is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives.

    Social Media Reactions Continue

    The APC primary outcome has continued to dominate conversations online, with supporters and critics of Cubana Chief Priest reacting differently to the development.

    The businessman had attracted significant attention after declaring interest in politics and publicly aligning with key APC figures ahead of the primary election.

  • Seyi Tinubu Consoles Cubana Chief Priest After APC Primary Defeat

    Seyi Tinubu has publicly shown support for celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Imo State.

    Seyi shared the message through the Insta-Stories section of his official Instagram page shortly after reports confirmed Cubana Chief Priest lost the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency.

    ‘Keep Your Head Up’

    In the message, Seyi Tinubu encouraged the nightlife promoter not to be discouraged by the political setback, stating that defeat could sometimes open the door to future victories.

    “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war. Keep your head up Cubana Chief Priest. We know what you are capable of achieving,” he wrote.

    Cubana Chief Priest later reposted the message on his Instagram story, confirming the development and acknowledging the support.

    APC Primary Loss In Imo

    Cubana Chief Priest had contested for the APC House of Representatives ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    However, he lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Moore Nwachukwu, who currently represents the constituency and is serving a second term.

    The outcome generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the role of celebrity influence in grassroots politics.