David Mark’s daughter, Akume’s wife secure APC Reps tickets in Benue

Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President and current National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to seek re-election into the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also emerging successful in the party’s primaries is Mrs. Regina Akume, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who retained the APC ticket in Benue State.

The APC conducted direct primary elections on Saturday across the state’s 11 federal constituencies spanning its 23 local government areas.

The exercise recorded major upsets, with six incumbent lawmakers losing their re-election bids. Five of those affected were reportedly loyal to the SGF, Senator George Akume, while candidates believed to be aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia dominated the outcomes.

Lawmakers who lost their tickets include Dickson Tarkghir (Makurdi/Guma), Sesoo Gboko (Vandeikya/Konshisha), Asema Achado (Gwer East/Gwer West), Ugbor Terseer (Kwande/Ushongo), Sekav Iortyom (Buruku), and David Ogewu (Oju/Obi).

Meanwhile, Regina Akume secured the APC ticket for Gboko/Tarka federal constituency, while Blessing Onuh emerged winner in Otukpo/Ohimini. Other incumbents who retained their tickets are Ojema Ojotu (Apa/Agatu) and Solomon Wombo (Katsina-Ala/Logo/Ukum).

In Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency, Anthony Agom emerged as the APC candidate following the defection of incumbent Philip Agbese to the Labour Party shortly before the primaries.

Elsewhere, Engr. Terfa Ikya defeated Dickson Tarkghir in Makurdi/Guma, while Engr. Terhemba Nongo unseated Asema Achado in Gwer East/Gwer West. Prof. Kohol Iornem defeated Ugbor Terseer in Kwande/Ushongo, and Engr. Livinus Tsar overcame Sesoo Gboko in Vandeikya/Konshisha.

Gideon Inyom clinched victory over Sekav Iortyom in Buruku, although the process was briefly marred by tension following the snatching of results in one ward. The situation was later brought under control, with a suspect arrested, while another ward recorded complaints against a presiding officer for allegedly failing to submit results.

In Oju/Obi, former Commissioner for Information, Dr. Peter Egbodo, defeated incumbent David Ogewu after recently resigning from Governor Alia’s cabinet to contest.

Chairman of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Benue State, Alhaji Sabiu Saidu Mahuta, officially announced the winners, urging all aspirants to accept the outcomes in good faith and maintain unity, emphasizing that there are “no winners or losers” in the process.