By James Kwen, Samson Elijah, Felix Igbek Oyi, Damilola Origbemisuyi, Emmanuel Mgbeahurike, Nonye Ekwenugo, Alo Abiola, Aza Msue, James Kwen, Ibrahim Obansa, Patrick Ochoga, Babaji Usman Babaji; Khalid Idris Doya
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy Barau Jibrin, Ali Ndume, Ahmed Lawan, Opeyemi Bamidele, Orji Uzor Kalu, Ede Dafinone and Adamu Aliero were among prominent political figures who emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries held across the country yesterday ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Others include former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
The exercise was, however, marred by violence, confusion, protests and allegations of manipulation in some states.
Earlier, the party disqualified 44 senatorial aspirants from contesting the primaries.
Violence Envelops Delta North, South APC Senatorial Primary Venues
Violence erupted yesterday in Delta North and Delta South senatorial districts during the APC primary elections.
The crisis was recorded at Ebe Primary School, Ovrode, in Isoko North Local Government Area, and Idumuje-Uno in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
In Idumuje-Uno, a man identified simply as Ernest was stabbed in the back and is currently battling for his life at a hospital where he was rushed for treatment.
Trouble reportedly started when a struggle broke out over result sheets among youths in Ward 8, allegedly loyal to Ernest and a councillor, Anselm.
“The struggle for the result sheet escalated into an argument, and Ernest was stabbed in the back,” an eyewitness said.
The incident triggered panic among party members gathered for the exercise.
At Ovrode, armed youths reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire, causing panic during the exercise.
Several participants were said to have sustained injuries in the ensuing stampede and gunfire.
Ovie Umuakpo, Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, reportedly escaped a mob attack following the alleged invasion.
The injured were taken to a nearby government hospital in Ofagbe community.
A party member said the violence was linked to a power struggle between the State Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, and the governor’s aide, Umuakpo.
Another source said the crisis was triggered by the relocation of the venue from Ellu to the Isoko North Council Secretariat, Ozoro.
However, a resident of Ozoro described the incident as a supremacy battle between political interests.
