Why Incumbency Failed In APC Primaries As Sitting Lawmakers Lost Their Tickets

Nigeria Daily

Nigeria Daily
Why Incumbency Failed In APC Primaries As Sitting Lawmakers Lost Their Tickets
May 19, 2026
Luqman Awwal Agono

For years in Nigerian politics, incumbency was seen as almost untouchable. Once you occupied political office, many believed securing another party ticket was only a formality. But the latest APC primaries across Nigeria have challenged that belief, as several serving lawmakers and political heavyweights lost their return tickets despite their influence and political structures. 

So, what really changed? Has the power of incumbency weakened, or are deeper political forces quietly reshaping the APC ahead of 2027?

 Today on Nigeria Daily, we examine why many incumbent office holders could not survive the APC primaries and what it could mean for Nigeria’s political future.