APC Primaries Rocked by Resignations, Fraud Claims, and Consensus Deals

The All Progressives Congress conducted senatorial primary elections across multiple Nigerian states on May 18, 2026, amid resignations, withdrawals, and fraud allegations. The primaries followed a turbulent lead-up in Kebbi State, where Senator Garba Musa Maidoki resigned from the APC on May 14, citing persistent internal crises that threatened his political aspirations. Former Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah followed on May 17, withdrawing from the Kebbi South senatorial primary and alleging the outcome was predetermined and lacked democratic integrity.

Despite the departures, the APC in Kebbi State moved forward with consensus arrangements. Muhammad Adamu Aliero, a former governor and serving senator, was affirmed as the consensus candidate for Kebbi Central at Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, after other aspirants stepped aside following consultations with Governor Nasir Idris and party stakeholders. Governor Idris said similar consensus processes were replicated across all three senatorial districts to preserve party unity.

In Taraba State, the primaries faced sharper controversy. Governorship aspirant David Sabo Kente and others alleged fraud, manipulation, and logistical failures, claiming results were predetermined and materials arrived late or were hijacked. Voters in Jalingo reported hours of delays and confusion. APC spokesperson Aaron Artimas dismissed the allegations as false and misleading, insisting the elections were conducted successfully.

Elsewhere, primaries proceeded more smoothly. In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno praised the peaceful conduct of House of Representatives primaries despite some protests over consensus options. In Kogi State, Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf commended the orderly Kogi West senatorial primary.

Nationally, the APC revised its list of disqualified senatorial aspirants, reducing the count from 47 to 44. Former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, initially listed as disqualified, was removed from the updated roster. Murray-Bruce denied the disqualification reports as fallacious, stating he had neither withdrawn nor been disqualified from the Bayelsa East race, and urged media caution during the fluid pre-election period.