The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dropped former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and five other senatorial candidates from its final list submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party also replaced 19 House of Representatives candidates who emerged from its May 2026 primaries, following recommendations from its Primary Election Appeal Committee.
APC Submits Revised Candidate List to INEC
According to a statement, the changes were approved by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) after reviewing appeals arising from the party’s primary elections. The revised list has been forwarded to INEC in line with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s guidelines.
The affected states are Abia, Benue, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo and Taraba.
Gabriel Suswam, a prominent figure in Benue politics who had been selected as a senatorial candidate, is among those dropped. The party did not immediately provide specific reasons for his removal or that of the other five senatorial candidates.
Affected States and Positions
The replacements cut across both senatorial and federal constituency positions. While the APC has not released the full list of new candidates, the move is seen as part of efforts to resolve internal disputes and ensure the party presents its strongest possible team ahead of the next general elections.
Political observers say such adjustments are common after primaries when aggrieved aspirants file appeals. The NWC’s decision to act on the recommendations of the Appeal Committee suggests the party is keen to maintain internal harmony and avoid legal challenges.
Reasons for the Changes
The APC explained that the revisions were necessary to address complaints and petitions that arose from the conduct of the primaries in the affected states. The party stated that all changes were carried out within the provisions of its constitution and the Electoral Act.
This development comes at a time when major political parties are finalising their candidate lists for the 2027 general elections. Analysts believe the APC’s decision could reshape political calculations in the affected states, particularly in Benue where Suswam remains an influential figure.
The party is expected to communicate the names of the replacement candidates to INEC and the general public in due course.
