𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀, 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘, 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚, 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚.

Fresh results, political negotiations, consensus arrangements, strategic withdrawals and fierce grassroots battles have continued to shape the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries across the Niger Delta following Saturday’s exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Ondo states, the primaries have triggered intense political conversations on Facebook groups, WhatsApp platforms, local blogs and community forums, especially in constituencies where incumbents suffered setbacks or where powerful political blocs openly battled for control.

Political analysts say the APC primaries have now become the clearest indication yet of how political structures are realigning ahead of 2027, with governors, ministers, former lawmakers, ethnic leaders and influential businessmen struggling to secure strategic dominance within the ruling party.

Rivers State: Wike Structure Consolidates Dominance

In Rivers State, the APC primaries were largely viewed as a consolidation exercise by forces loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The emergence of Martin Amaewhule for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Blessing Amadi for Port Harcourt Federal Constituency, and Hart Cyril Godwin for Bonny/Degema reinforced widespread belief that the Wike political structure remains firmly in control of the APC machinery in Rivers State.

The primaries however generated significant controversy after the reported exclusion and disqualification of several aspirants believed to be sympathetic to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Political supporters across Rivers Facebook forums accused party leaders of weaponising the screening process to weaken internal opposition ahead of the elections.

Several commentators described the primaries as less of an electoral contest and more of a strategic consolidation of power by dominant political stakeholders.

Despite the tension, APC leaders in Rivers insisted the exercise remained largely peaceful and successful.

Delta State: Warri, Oshimili, Okpe Battles Dominate Political Discussions

Delta State has remained one of the most politically active APC states in the Niger Delta following the primaries, especially after dramatic developments emerged from Warri Federal Constituency, Oshimili Federal Constituency and Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency.

One of the most talked-about developments in Delta APC politics remains the growing political momentum of High Chief Promise Lawuru, popularly known as “Ozigizaga,” who formally joined the race for the Warri Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat after purchasing his APC nomination forms.

Lawuru’s entrance immediately intensified political calculations across Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West local government areas.

Support groups, youth organisations and community leaders across Facebook political forums openly endorsed his aspiration, describing him as one of the strongest grassroots challengers currently emerging within Delta APC politics.

Political observers say Lawuru’s popularity is largely driven by his extensive humanitarian outreach, youth mobilisation efforts, cross-ethnic acceptance and growing support among younger APC members dissatisfied with the current political establishment.

His supporters insist the Warri Federal Constituency requires a more visible and energetic representative capable of attracting federal presence and youth-focused development projects to the area.

The “Youth O’Clock” political slogan associated with Lawuru has also gained massive traction online, especially among younger voters and first-time political participants across Warri communities.

Meanwhile, the Warri political atmosphere became even more intense after frontline aspirant Capt. David Omatseye officially withdrew from the House of Representatives race ahead of the primaries, citing alignment with APC leadership directives.

Political analysts believe Omatseye’s withdrawal may significantly reshape support calculations within the constituency and indirectly strengthen emerging political blocs ahead of the final APC positioning.

The Warri contest is also attracting attention because of the reported involvement of influential APC chieftain Ayirimi Emami, who publicly disclosed his preferred candidates for various positions within Delta South.

Emami also claimed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori promised neutrality in the APC primaries, a statement that generated fresh political debates across Delta political circles.

Elsewhere in Delta State, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, reportedly defeated incumbent lawmaker Ngozi Okolie in the APC House of Representatives primary for Oshimili South Federal Constituency.

The result sparked widespread reactions across Delta political forums, with many observers describing Elumelu’s victory as one of the most significant political comebacks in the state.

Reports from Asaba indicated strong voter turnout and orderly conduct during the exercise, with party officials insisting the process remained transparent.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme also publicly praised the peaceful conduct of the APC primaries across Delta State, describing the exercise as evidence of growing unity within the party structure.

Political discussions however continue regarding alleged strategic alignments, silent endorsements and underground negotiations among powerful APC stakeholders within the state.

More official results from Delta federal constituencies are still being awaited and are expected to emerge as collation processes continue across several local government areas.

Bayelsa State: APC Maintains Calm Through Consensus Strategy

Bayelsa State recorded one of the calmest APC primary exercises within the Niger Delta.

Party leaders repeatedly emphasised reconciliation, stability and internal unity throughout the exercise.

In Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, incumbent lawmaker Oforji Oboku reportedly secured broad support through a consensus arrangement that reduced direct confrontation among aspirants.

Political observers in Bayelsa noted that party stakeholders deliberately prioritised compromise to avoid the type of internal conflicts currently affecting neighbouring states.

Although some grassroots APC members privately expressed concerns over increasing dependence on consensus arrangements, many party loyalists argued that stability remains more important ahead of the general elections.

Facebook political discussions monitored across Bayelsa largely reflected cautious optimism among party supporters.

Cross River State: Incumbents Fall as Grassroots Revolt Intensifies

Cross River State produced some of the biggest political shocks of the APC primaries after several serving lawmakers reportedly lost their bids for return tickets.

Political observers described the outcome as a major grassroots revolt against incumbency and entrenched political structures.

Among candidates who reportedly emerged victorious were Peter Akpanke for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku, Joseph Bassey for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South, and Victor Abang for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency.

Other emerging APC flag bearers include Stella Odey-Ekpo for Ogoja/Yala, Ngim Okpo for Akamkpa/Biase, Blessing Egbara for Obubra/Etung, John Gaul Lebo for Abi/Yakurr, and Effefiong Nta Eke for Odukpani/Calabar Municipality.

Across Facebook discussions in Cross River, many users celebrated the defeat of incumbents, arguing that constituents were demanding more accessible and visible representation.

Others however alleged that powerful political figures within the state still played significant roles behind the scenes through endorsements and strategic negotiations.

Ondo State: Ilaje/Ese-Odo Shock Reshapes Ondo South Politics

Ondo State witnessed one of the most dramatic upsets of the APC primaries following the reported defeat of incumbent House of Representatives member Donald Ojogo by Pastor Leke Akingboye in the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency contest.

The outcome immediately triggered widespread debate across Ondo political circles, with many APC supporters describing it as one of the biggest surprises of the primaries.

Ojogo entered the race with incumbency advantage, political visibility and experience as a former Commissioner for Information in Ondo State.

However, supporters of Pastor Leke Akingboye described the result as a clear rejection of entrenched political dominance within the constituency.

Facebook political conversations following the exercise revealed deep internal divisions among APC loyalists, with some accusing powerful stakeholders of betrayal while others insisted the result reflected genuine grassroots sentiment.

The Ondo APC primaries were also affected by disputes surrounding alleged consensus arrangements and endorsement lists reportedly linked to influential political figures within the state structure.

Political analysts believe the Ilaje/Ese-Odo outcome may significantly alter political alliances within Ondo South ahead of the 2027 elections.

Edo and Akwa Ibom Await More Complete Results

In Edo and Akwa Ibom states, APC primary activities also generated political tension and grassroots mobilisation, although full official results from several federal constituencies were still being awaited as of press time.

Party sources in both states confirmed that more results are expected to emerge after final collation and internal consultations among party stakeholders.

Political discussions across Facebook groups in both states have largely centred on allegations of late-night negotiations, strategic withdrawals and consensus arrangements involving influential APC leaders.

More Results Expected Across Niger Delta

With collation and consultations still ongoing in several constituencies, additional APC House of Representatives primary results are expected to emerge across the Niger Delta in the coming days.

Political analysts say the primaries have already exposed deep internal rivalries, shifting loyalties and new political alliances capable of reshaping the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Observers also believe dissatisfied aspirants who lost out during the primaries may still trigger fresh legal and political battles as preparations for the general elections intensify.