The political landscape in Nigeria just experienced a massive tremor. No fewer than 70 serving National Assembly (NASS) members elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner are facing a bleak political future after losing their re-election tickets during the party's recent primaries.

With the APC currently holding 242 seats in the House of Representatives and 88 in the Senate, this massive shakeup means a significant chunk of the ruling party's legislative caucus is about to be wiped out ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Defection Gamble That Backfired

The primary results were particularly brutal for a group of high-profile lawmakers who recently defected to the APC from the Labour Party (LP), hoping the ruling party's umbrella would secure their political futures. Instead, they hit a brick wall.

High-Profile Casualties Include:

  • Rep Donatus Matthew ("The Okada Rider"): Representing Kaura Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, Matthew made history by winning on the LP platform but was disqualified during the APC’s screening exercise.

  • Rep Esosa Iyawe: Lost the Oredo Federal Constituency ticket in Edo State to challenger Dr. Paddy Iyamu.

  • Senator Neda Imasuen: The Edo South senator failed to secure his ticket.

  • Others Hooked: Reps Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau) all failed to clinch return tickets after jumping ship.

Senate Heavyweights Who Dropped Out or Lost

It wasn't just the House of Representatives that saw a mass clearance. At least 12 APC senators are officially out of the 2027 race—some knocked out in fierce primary battles, others choosing to step down or withdraw entirely.

The Hit List: Who is Out?

Senator Constituency / State
Gbenga Daniel Ogun East
Diket Plang Plateau Central
Osita Izunaso Imo West
Emmanuel Udende Benue North-East
Titus Zam Benue West
Olubiyi Fadeyi Osun Central
Saliu Mustapha Kwara
Ned Nwoko Delta North

The Legal Trap: Why They Can't Just Join Another Party

In the past, losing a primary ticket meant a quick midnight defection to an opposition party to get on the ballot. Not this time.

The Electoral Act Catch: The deadline for political parties to submit their official membership registers to INEC lapsed on May 10.

Because of this strict deadline, any lawmaker who lost their APC primary ticket is legally stuck. They cannot switch to another political party to contest the 2027 general elections, effectively ending their legislative ambitions for the next cycle.

The Takeaway

This massive turnover is bound to change the dynamics of the National Assembly as we head toward 2027. It also serves as a stark warning to politicians: switching parties doesn't always guarantee survival.