…Violence erupts in Lagos
The ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been thrown into a major political storm following dramatic outcomes from its House of Representatives primaries, with more than 50 serving lawmakers losing their re-election bids and violent clashes in Lagos exposing deepening tensions within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The massive shake-up, regarded as one of the largest turnovers of federal lawmakers since 2015, signals intensifying internal battles for influence within the APC and raises fresh concerns about party unity as political permutations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum.
While key figures such as Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu successfully retained their tickets, many influential and long-serving legislators suffered major defeats, reflecting what analysts describe as growing anti-incumbency sentiment and the expanding influence of governors and local political structures.
Among the most shocking outcomes was the defeat of House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere in Edo State’s Owan federal constituency. Ihonvbere secured 1,005 votes out of 7,587 cast, placing third behind Andrew Ijegbia, who polled 3,695 votes, while Abdul Oroh finished second with 1,740 votes.
In Delta State, veteran lawmaker Nicholas Mutu, who has represented Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency since 1999, lost his bid to return to the House. Also affected was Ngozi Okolie, who lost the Aniocha/Oshimili ticket to former House Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu.
Confusion also emerged in Plateau State, where conflicting declarations initially created uncertainty in the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency contest involving incumbent Yusuf Gagdi. A returning officer had announced challenger John Tongshinen as winner with 29,968 votes against Gagdi’s 5,849 votes. However, the APC Plateau State primaries committee, headed by Stella Okotete, later rejected the result as invalid and declared Gagdi the authentic winner with 29,207 votes.
Elsewhere, Ogun State recorded at least five incumbent casualties, including Deputy Chief Whip Ibrahim Isiaka and Tunji Akinosi, while three serving lawmakers lost out in Ekiti State. In Katsina State, Sani ÆŠanlami, Abubakar Kusada, Aminu Jamo and ÆŠalhatu Tafoki also failed to secure tickets under consensus arrangements.
Amid the wave of defeats, Yusuf Buhari, son of the Late former President Muhammadu Buhari, emerged victorious in a landslide victory for the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’adua Federal Constituency ticket.
Several incumbents in Borno State retained their positions, including Usman Zannah, Betara Aliyu, Kadiri Rahis, Satomi Ahmed, Bukar Talba and Ahmed Jaha, while new entrants considered politically close to Governor Babagana Zulum also emerged.
However, beyond the electoral outcomes, violence associated with the primaries has heightened concerns within the party. In Lagos, political tensions escalated into bloodshed after Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, was allegedly attacked and macheted during a violent clash in Alimosho local government area. Ajigbotafe, popularly known as “AB Ajigbotafe”, reportedly sustained severe injuries and was rushed to hospital after losing significant amounts of blood.
Sources said the violence was linked to unresolved disagreements arising from Saturday’s House of Representatives primaries in Lagos-West involving supporters of former Mosan-Okunola LCDA chairman Olabisi Adebajo, popularly called ABISCO, and incumbent lawmaker Ganiyu Ayuba. What was intended as a reconciliation meeting reportedly descended into chaos after suspected political thugs allegedly launched an attack on the commissioner. A party source claimed the commissioner escaped an assassination attempt but sustained serious injuries, while his vehicle and security details were also affected during the violence.
The incident has sparked outrage among party members, with many condemning what they describe as an increasing culture of intimidation and violence in party politics.
