The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its senatorial primary elections in Ekiti State, producing the trio of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Cyril Fasuyi and Senator Yemi Adaramodu as the party’s standard-bearers for Ekiti Central, Ekiti North and Ekiti South Senatorial Districts respectively ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise, conducted across the three senatorial districts, drew significant participation from party delegates and stakeholders, with APC officials describing the primaries as peaceful, transparent and in line with the party’s electoral guidelines.

Announcing the results in Ado Ekiti, the chairman of the primary election committee and chief returning officer, Wasiu Adedoyin, declared Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele winner of the Ekiti Central senatorial primary. Bamidele, who contested unopposed, polled 29,586 votes, reaffirming his strong political influence within the district and consolidating his position ahead of the 2027 polls.

In the keenly contested Ekiti North primary, incumbent Senator Cyril Fasuyi emerged victorious after securing 14,179 votes. Fasuyi defeated former senator Ayo Arise, who garnered 4,868 votes, while Engr. Bamisaye Oladipupo polled 3,694 votes. Political observers described the contest as one of the most competitive races of the APC primaries in the state, reflecting the growing political interests within Ekiti North.

Similarly, in Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Yemi Adaramodu clinched the APC ticket after polling 12,200 votes to defeat former senator Biodun Olujimi, who secured 7,420 votes, and Hon. Bamidele Faparusi, who recorded 5,502 votes. The outcome further strengthens Adaramodu’s political standing within the district as he prepares to lead the APC into the next electoral cycle.

Speaking after the exercise, Wasiu Adedoyin commended APC members and delegates for their orderly conduct throughout the primaries, stressing that the process reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy and credible candidate selection.

The conclusion of the senatorial primaries is expected to reshape political calculations across Ekiti State as the APC begins preparations for the 2027 general elections, with party leaders expressing confidence that the emergence of the three candidates would further strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.

Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, over alleged security threats and fears of violence.

Daniel, who is seeking re-election to the Senate, has recently been involved in a political disagreement with Dapo Abiodun over the APC ticket for Ogun East ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel (BATOGD) Movement, the senator directed his supporters to stay away from the primary election, citing concerns over their safety.

The statement, jointly signed by BATOGD Director-General, General Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd), and 34 others, alleged that there had been suspicious movements and threats against Daniel’s loyalists in the build-up to the exercise.

According to the group, there were fears that violence could erupt during the primary election.

“In the last few days, we have seen all manners of strange movements and miscreants taking positions and ready to strike down our people. We have heard and seen agents of the state government threatening fire and brimstone against our supporters,” the statement said.

The group added that it would be irresponsible to expose supporters to danger and unrest.

“We have advised our Principal, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, to distance himself from the senatorial party primary elections. We also advise our supporters to stay away from the venues of the primary election for their own safety,” the statement added.

Speaking on the development, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed that the former governor approved the decision to withdraw from the contest.

According to him, the safety of supporters remains more important than participating in the primary election.

“If the party is ready to conduct a free and fair election and can guarantee the safety of our members, then we are ready to participate,” Oliyide stated.

The ruling party, All Progressives Congress, has firmly dismissed widespread reports alleging a postponement of its scheduled presidential primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the exercise will proceed as earlier announced on May 23, 2026.

The clarification was contained in an official statement released on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who described the circulating reports across social media platforms and other communication channels as “false, misleading and without any basis.”

According to the APC spokesman, the party’s timetable for the conduct of primary elections into various elective offices remains unchanged, stressing that the leadership of the party has not approved any alteration to the schedule already released.

The development comes amid heightened political activities within the ruling party as aspirants intensify consultations and internal alignments ahead of the crucial nomination exercises expected to shape the APC’s strategy for the 2027 polls.

APC Primary Election Timetable

Reaffirming the party’s electoral schedule, Morka stated that the APC House of Representatives primary election will hold on May 15, 2026.

The Senate primary election is scheduled for May 18, while primaries for State Houses of Assembly are expected to take place on May 20.

The governorship primary election has been fixed for May 21, while the much-anticipated presidential primary election will be conducted nationwide on May 23, 2026.

Party insiders say the timetable reflects the APC’s determination to conclude its internal nomination process early enough to allow candidates ample time for reconciliation, campaign coordination and nationwide mobilisation before the commencement of full political campaigns.

Screening of Governors Begins

Meanwhile, the APC has already commenced the screening of incumbent governors seeking the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The screening exercise, which began on Saturday, is seen as part of the party’s broader efforts to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements, party guidelines and eligibility standards for intending candidates.

Among governors screened by the committee were Abba Yusuf, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Mutfwang and Hyacinth Alia.

Others screened include Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu and Ahmed Aliyu.

Political observers believe the APC’s swift response to rumours surrounding its presidential primary timetable is aimed at calming internal tensions and preventing uncertainty among aspirants and party loyalists as the race toward 2027 gathers momentum.

The party leadership is also expected to intensify consultations in the coming weeks as debates continue over zoning arrangements, consensus options and the growing list of aspirants positioning themselves for key offices under the APC platform.