APC Updates List of Barred Senate Aspirants, Removes Ben Bruce

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released an updated list of senatorial aspirants not cleared to participate in its senate primary elections.

The revised list no longer contains the name of Ben Murray-Bruce, former senator representing Bayelsa east, who was included in the earlier list released by the party.

In a statement issued on Monday by Felix Morka, APC national publicity secretary, the party urged stakeholders to ensure transparency and orderliness during the primaries.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) hereby releases an updated list of Senatorial aspirants not cleared to participate in the Party’s Senate Primary Elections,” the statement reads.

“The APC urges all stakeholders to uphold transparency, orderliness, and the integrity of the ongoing Primary Election process.”

The ruling party had earlier barred 47 aspirants from participating in the primaries ahead of the 2027 general election. The updated list now contains 44 names.

Among those affected are Benson Agadaga, senator representing Bayelsa east; Banigo Ipalibo, senator representing Rivers west; and Usman Wowo, former senator representing the federal capital territory (FCT).

Garba Mai Doki, senator representing Kebbi south, was listed as having defected from the APC.

The APC also indicated that Adam Mohammed from Jigawa south-west did not appear for screening.

Abdulkarim Kana, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Donald Daunemigita from Bayelsa west were listed as having voluntarily withdrawn from the race.

Other prominent aspirants on the updated list include Tamunobaabo Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein, and Oyukaye Amachree from Rivers west senatorial district.

The list cuts across Adamawa, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, FCT, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara states.