Godswill Akpabio will test his political strength today in the APC senatorial primary. The Senate President faces competition from his deputy, Jibrin Barau, and several other high-profile contenders.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno are also in the race. They're among the most prominent figures seeking senatorial tickets across the country.
Seven sitting governors have thrown their hats into the ring. They include Hope Uzodimma from Imo West and Ahmadu Fintiri from Adamawa North.
Abdullahi Sule wants the Nasarawa North seat, while Mai Mala Buni is pursuing Yobe South. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara Central), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe North), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun East) are also contesting.
Several ex-governors have joined the primary battle as well. Yahaya Bello is running in Kogi Central against incumbent senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the PDP.
Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo currently holds a Senate seat from Gombe. He'll defend it against Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya in today's primary.
Jolly Nyame, Simon Lalong, and Danjuma Goje are among other former governors contesting for senatorial positions. They're seeking seats in their home constituencies.
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has formally announced his bid for Delta Central. He's the latest big name to join the senatorial fray.
Party officials say many Senate leaders have emerged unopposed in their districts. Several serving governors reportedly secured consensus nominations before today's exercise.
The APC started its primary process on Saturday with House of Representatives races. Senatorial primaries across all states are scheduled for today.
Complaint committees have been established in every state. They'll handle grievances that emerge from the primary exercise.
Felix Morka, the party's National Publicity Secretary, released a statement charging committee members. He urged them to act fairly and justly in their assignments.
Sources say the official list of cleared senatorial aspirants hasn't been published yet. However, party officials have personally contacted individuals facing clearance problems.
APC officers from Abuja have been instructed to adopt indirect primaries where necessary. This applies to locations where local stakeholders couldn't reach consensus arrangements.
In Ogun State, trouble's brewing within APC ranks. Senator Gbenga Daniel has withdrawn from the senatorial primary, citing security fears.
Daniel is battling Governor Dapo Abiodun over the Ogun East APC ticket. Political tensions between the two camps have escalated sharply in recent weeks.
On Sunday, Daniel's BATOGD Movement issued a statement explaining his pullout. He directed supporters to boycott the primary election over alleged threats.
The movement's leadership cited suspicious activities in the state. They alleged state government agents were positioning miscreants to intimidate Daniel's backers.
General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (retired) signed the statement alongside 34 other supporters. They warned that violence could erupt if the situation isn't addressed immediately.
