Murray-Bruce Calls APC chairman Prof. Yilwatda to Challenge Claims of His Disqualification/Withdrawal From Senate Race

Former Bayelsa East Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has denied reports that he has been disqualified or withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary race, describing such claims as “fallacious.

“In a statement addressed to Punch Newspaper on Monday, Murray-Bruce said he was surprised to see the report on the platform, prompting him to call the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to verify the situation.

“I have neither withdrawn nor been disqualified,” Murray-Bruce stated.The former senator cautioned media houses against rushing to publish unverified information, emphasizing the need for journalistic excellence.

“These are very fluid times, and it would be in the best interest of journalistic excellence to exercise caution and verification, rather than utilise speed in your reportage,” he said.

APC releases list of disqualified aspirantsHowever, in a conflicting development, the All Progressives Congress on Monday released the names of 47 senatorial aspirants not cleared to participate in the party’s Senate primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections .

The list, made public in a press statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, included Murray-Bruce’s name among those disqualified from contesting in Bayelsa East senatorial district .

According to the party, “The screening exercise was conducted by the Party’s Screening Committees in accordance with established procedures and guidelines” .

The APC did not provide specific reasons for the disqualification of the affected aspirants .

Other prominent politicians on the list include former Senator Benson Agadaga, who also contested the Bayelsa East district, as well as Daniel Effiong Asuquo (Cross River South), Jack-Rich Tein (Rivers West), and Kolapoboye Kola Daisi (Oyo South) .

Rivers West senatorial district recorded the highest number of disqualified aspirants, with four names listed, while Zamfara State had seven aspirants across its Central, North, and West districts failing to secure clearance .

The APC Senate primary elections are scheduled to hold on Monday, May 18, 2026 .Murray-Bruce, a former senator who represented Bayelsa East between 2015 and 2019 and is known for his flamboyant style and advocacy campaigns, has yet to respond further to the party’s official list.