By Ghazali Ibrahim
The recent cases of high-profile defeats in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries has shattered the political calculations of several prominent politicians and activists ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While the party gained prominence after Peter Obi and Kwankwaso joined, more defectors see it as the only way to get their interest fulfilled after a failed attempts at their initial parties.
While the political realignment favors the presidential candidate, others seemed to bear the brunt of defections.
Among the notable figures who failed to secure tickets or key positions within the emerging opposition platform are activist Aisha Yesufu, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Lagos politician Funso Doherty, and former Enugu commissioner Randy Peters.
The outcomes have sparked widespread debate about the limits of public popularity and the realities of internal party politics in Nigeria.
Yesufu, one of the country’s most recognisable activists, suffered a setback in her bid for the NDC senatorial ticket for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Despite her national profile and strong support among young Nigerians and reform-minded voters, she lost the contest to Amanda Pam.
Following the primary, Yesufu publicly questioned the process, alleging irregularities and claiming that the party deviated from an earlier arrangement for a direct primary election. The result nevertheless highlighted the importance of delegate support and grassroots organisation in party contests.
In Delta State, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege endured one of the most significant defeats of the primary season when he lost the contest for the Delta Central Senatorial ticket.
Omo-Agege, a former governorship candidate and one of the APC’s most influential figures in Delta politics, was defeated by incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone.
The loss marked a dramatic reversal for the former Senate leader and was followed by his resignation from the APC.
He joined the NDC in pursuit of his interest but was defeated by Income Bernice Dema in a closely contested primaries.
Another prominent figure affected by the political realignments is Funso Doherty, the former Lagos governorship candidate known for his advocacy of governance reforms and fiscal accountability.
Doherty, who joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had hoped to strengthen his political influence within the opposition coalition.
However, his ambitions were checked by fierce competition from other aspirants and established party interests, reflecting the challenges faced by technocratic politicians seeking to translate public goodwill into internal party victories. Reports say that he lost to Naheem Abiodun Balogun.
Former Enugu State Commissioner Randy Peters also emerged among the notable casualties of the political contest.
Peters, a long-time player in Enugu politics, was unable to secure the position he sought despite years of experience in public service and opposition politics, losing to Chief Paul Sanctus.
With preparations for the 2027 elections gathering momentum, the defeats of several well-known figures have also exposed the intense competition within opposition ranks as politicians scramble for relevance and electoral tickets.
For the NDC, the primaries have served as an early test of its internal democracy and ability to manage competing ambitions.
For the defeated aspirants, however, the results represent a significant political setback and a reminder that popularity outside party structures does not always translate into victory at the ballot box.
