Lawmakers Who Abandoned PDP, LP For APC End Up Losing Election Tickets — Full List Emerges

The APC conducted its nationwide primaries from May 16, beginning with the House of Representatives contests, and concluded with the presidential primary on May 23, 2026. The exercise produced candidates across various elective positions ahead of the forthcoming general election.

However, the results have triggered widespread dissatisfaction among several aspirants, particularly lawmakers who had earlier defected from opposition parties to the ruling APC after securing seats in the National Assembly.

More than 120 federal lawmakers—comprising senators and members of the House of Representatives—reportedly left the parties under which they were elected, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other opposition platforms, to join the APC.

Many of these defectors were seeking the party’s nomination to return to the National Assembly in 2027, but a large number failed to secure tickets, sparking protests, complaints, and allegations of unfair treatment.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the political decisions of lawmakers who defected in hopes of strengthening their re-election chances through the ruling party.

Across several states, the APC primaries were also marked by controversy, with some aspirants alleging imposition of candidates, internal manipulation, and a lack of internal democracy. Party leaders, however, insist that the process complied with established guidelines and electoral regulations.

Among those affected were several high-profile lawmakers, including Hon. Nicholas Mutu of Delta State, who left the PDP after seven terms in office; Hon. Mike Etaba of Cross River State, who defected from the PDP; and Hon. Ngozi Okolie of Delta State, who moved from the Labour Party to the APC.

Others include Hon. Esosa Iyawe of Edo State, Hon. Matthew Nwogu of Imo State, Hon. Mansur Musa Jega of Kebbi State, and Hon. Bassey Akiba of Cross River State, all of whom switched allegiance to the APC but failed to secure tickets.

Also affected were Hon. Daniel Asama, Hon. Ajang Iliya, and Hon. Donatus Mathew, all of whom defected from the Labour Party but were unsuccessful in the primaries.

Similarly, Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), who left the PDP for the APC, lost his bid, alongside Senator Neda Imasuen of Edo South, formerly of the Labour Party, and Hon. Nicholas Ossai of Delta State.

In addition, several defectors from Rivers and Bayelsa States, including Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Hon. Boma Goodhead, retired Air Commodore John Azubuike Opara, and Anderson Allison Igbiki, were disqualified and excluded from the primaries.

Also disqualified were Senator Benson Agadaga of Bayelsa East and Senator Garba Maidoki of Kebbi South, both of whom had previously defected from the PDP to the APC.

The developments highlight growing tensions within the APC following its primaries, as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.