What next for Goje, Tuggar, Alkali, Ned Nwoko, others?

As the primary elections for political parties drew to a close, the political landscape was left in a state of intrigue and uncertainty. With a lineup of prominent politicians including sitting and former presidents, governors, ministers, senators, police chiefs, and lawmakers, the race for the party tickets was one of the most fiercely contested in recent times. The outcome of these primaries will undoubtedly shape the political future of the regions and the country as a whole.

For some politicians, the defeat in the primaries has been a blow to their ambitions. Former Gombe State Governor, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, who has been a minister, two-term governor, and five-time senator, lost in the APC senatorial primary. Despite his impressive political career, Goje's name is not among the successful candidates listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speculation is rife as to whether Goje will defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and contest for a fifth term at the National Assembly, or whether he will continue to challenge the ruling party in the upcoming general elections in January and February next year.

Another notable figure affected by the primary elections is former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu Abubakar. Having lost the APC governorship ticket in Nasarawa State, Adamu is reportedly defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and remains in the race for the 2027 governorship election. With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yet to appoint a new minister of transportation, Adamu's political ambitions appear to be alive and well.