A number of sitting House of Representatives members failed to secure their party tickets in the recent APC primaries, including seven lawmakers from Benue State and House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere.

Ihonvbere, who represents Owan Federal Constituency, was defeated in his bid to return, highlighting strong opposition at the grassroots level even for senior party figures.

In Benue, all seven incumbent reps lost to new challengers, marking a significant shift in the state’s APC representation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Other notable outcomes include former lawmaker Farouk Lawan winning the APC ticket for Bagwai/Shanono in Kano after passing screening and receiving a presidential pardon in October 2025. In Imo, celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest and four sitting lawmakers were also defeated, pointing to a broader reshuffle within the party’s House candidates.