The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has removed former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, former House of Representatives member, Gbenga Elegbeleye, and 23 other National Assembly candidates from the party’s final list submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The decision followed the party’s review of appeals arising from its May primary elections, resulting in the replacement of seven senatorial candidates and 19 House of Representatives candidates across several states.
The revised list was conveyed to INEC in a letter jointly signed by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.
According to the party, the changes were based on the recommendations of the APC Primary Election Appeal Committee, which were adopted by the NWC as the party’s final position.
The letter, titled “Forwarding of Approved List of Senatorial and House of Representatives Candidates,” stated:
“Following the determination of appeals from the recently concluded primary elections, the reports of the Appeal Committee were reviewed and subsequently considered and approved by the NWC of the APC as the party’s final position on the affected constituencies.
“In accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) and INEC’s regulations and guidelines, we hereby transmit the enclosed list of the approved candidates for seven senatorial districts and 19 House of Representatives constituencies for your records and necessary action.”
Among the major changes, Emmanuel Memga Udende replaced Gabriel Suswam as the APC’s candidate for Benue North-East Senatorial District, while Olajide Ipinsagba displaced Gbenga Elegbeleye in Ondo North.
Other senatorial substitutions saw Sunday Karimi replacing Aro Samuel Bamidele in Kogi West, Titus Tartenger Zam replacing Benjamin T. Aber in Benue North-West, Shuibu Isa Lau succeeding Mohammed Kabir Bello in Taraba North, and Adeniyi Adegbonmire replacing Taiwo Fasoranti in Ondo Central.
The House of Representatives list also witnessed sweeping changes, with Benue State recording the highest number of replacements.
The affected constituencies include Makurdi/Guma, Vandeikya/Konshisha, Kwande/Ushongo, Buruku, and Gwer East/Gwer West, where new candidates replaced those earlier declared winners of the party’s primaries.
Other states affected by the reshuffle include Ondo, Taraba, Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Abia, and Ebonyi, where the party also replaced several House of Representatives candidates.
The latest development underscores the APC leadership’s decision to uphold the recommendations of its Appeal Committee as it finalises its list of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
