Kombowei Benson, Sunny-Goli, Agbiki Win APC Senate Tickets In Bayelsa

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its senatorial primaries in Bayelsa State, producing Senator Friday Kombowei Benson, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, and Chief Fidelis Agbiki as candidates for the 2027 National Assembly elections amid controversies over screening and withdrawals.

In Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Senator Friday Kombowei Benson emerged winner of the primary election after defeating former Southern Ijaw Local Government Chairman, Timipa Tiwei Orunimighe.

In Bayelsa East Senatorial District, former lawmaker Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli clinched the APC ticket after incumbent Senator Benson Agadaga was initially disqualified from the race, a decision later described by the party as voluntary withdrawal.

Sunny-Goli’s emergence marks a political comeback in the district, following heightened debates over zoning arrangements and internal party realignments.

In Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Chief Fidelis Agbiki secured the party’s ticket after a closely watched primary election involving several aspirants.

Agbiki, a grassroots politician from Ekeremor Local Government Area, is a first-time senatorial contestant whose emergence is expected to shape the contest ahead of the 2027 polls.

Another aspirant, Donald Daunemigita, was initially listed among those not cleared but was later recorded as having voluntarily withdrawn from the race.

The primaries in Bayelsa were however overshadowed by wider controversies surrounding the party’s screening process, where several aspirants were initially disqualified before some cases were later reviewed.