EXCLUSIVE: Enone 2027 Reps race: APC members reject alleged plot to impose unpopular candidate

There is growing tension within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, as some party members have kicked against an alleged move by party leaders to impose an unpopular candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

IDOMA VOICE reports that more than five aspirants initially indicated interest in the Enone House of Representatives race.

However, one of the leading aspirants, Williams Obande Obeya, withdrew from the contest at the last minute, a development many party members believe has exposed an alleged predetermined arrangement within the party.

Obeya, who announced his withdrawal ahead of today’s primary election, said the decision followed further consultations after his declaration earlier in the day at Ogbadibo.

The politician alleged that the forthcoming primary election appeared to be a predetermined process, but maintained that he was leaving the race with dignity and without bitterness.

His withdrawal has further fueled speculations among party faithful that there are plans to impose a preferred aspirant on the constituency.

Some aggrieved members warned that imposing an unpopular candidate could cost the APC victory in the general election.

A party member, James Abah, alleged that the was part of a wider plan to deny Okpokwu Local Government Area the opportunity to producmove e a lawmaker in 2027.

James Abah said, “What is happening is an attempt to deny Okpokwu people the opportunity of producing the next House of Representatives member for Enone in 2027.

“We are against any plan to impose an unpopular aspirant on the people because such a move will only weaken the APC ahead of the general election.

“The party leadership should allow a free, fair, and transparent primary election where delegates can freely choose the candidate of their choice.

“If APC must win this seat, then justice, equity and fairness must prevail in the process.”
According to him, party leaders should allow a free and fair primary process to ensure the emergence of a credible and generally accepted candidate.

Meanwhile, aspirants still in the race include Prince Simon Ali, Patience Ene Akor, Abah Okoriko, John Ochigbo, and Alfred Apochi.