Benue South APC Primaries: Despite withdrawal, Dan Onjeh polls 4,570 votes, comes fourth

Former APC senatorial candidate for Benue South, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, polled 4,570 votes to finish fourth in the Benue South All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial primary election despite announcing his withdrawal from the contest before the exercise earlier.

Onjeh had withdrawn from the race over alleged irregularities, lack of transparency and what he described as attempts to impose a preferred candidate on the party ahead of the primary election.

In a statement announcing his withdrawal, the former APC senatorial candidate said his decision followed “deep reflection, extensive consultations, and disturbing developments” within the party structure in Benue State.
The former senatorial aspirant, who described himself as one of the founding members of the APC in Benue South, said he played a major role in building the party from its formative stage when it evolved from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).Nigerian news aggregator

“You all can bear witness that I have been in the party as one of the founding members of the APC in Benue South. You can attest to the sacrifices and commitment I have made towards building this party,” Onjeh said.

He further alleged that there were indications the outcome of the exercise had been predetermined by powerful interests within the party.

Despite pulling out of the race, Onjeh’s name remained on the ballot, with the results showing that he secured 4,570 votes to place fourth in the keenly contested primary.

Former lawmaker, Francis Ottah Agbo, emerged winner of the primary after polling 58,760 votes.

Other results announced at the end of the exercise include:

Hon. Joseph Ojobo — 6,782 votes
Engr. Oloche Agidani — 5,246 votes
Hon. Daniel Onjeh — 4,570 votes
Hon. Nelson Alapa — 4,312 votes
Patrick Ojechema Idoko — 2,732 votes