Confusion, tension trail APC primaries across Benue South

Confusion and tension have continued to trail the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries across Benue South Senatorial District, as parallel winners emerged in some constituencies following disputed results and conflicting declarations by aspirants and party officials.

The development has thrown parts of Zone C into political uncertainty, with supporters of various contenders celebrating separate victories amid allegations of irregularities, manipulation, and lack of transparency in the conduct of the exercise.

In Ogbadibo State Constituency, Andrew Agbo and the incumbent member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Awuchi Agada, are both claiming victory in the primaries.

While supporters of Agbo insist the exercise was conducted fairly in his favour, loyalists of the sitting lawmaker maintain that Agada won convincingly and remains the authentic candidate of the party.

A similar scenario is unfolding in Ado State Constituency, where Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Lami Ogenyi, and another aspirant, Mark Ochoga, have separately announced themselves as winners of the APC primary election.

Both camps have continued mobilizing supporters and circulating result sheets to back their claims.

The confusion has further heightened anxiety among party faithful in Benue South, with many constituents drawing parallels between the current crisis and the controversies that earlier marred the APC senatorial and House of Representatives primaries in the state.

During those earlier exercises, multiple candidates had also emerged from parallel primaries, leading to legal battles, protests, and deep divisions within the party structure.

Members of the ruling party fear the recurrence of similar disputes could weaken the APC ahead of the general elections if urgent steps are not taken to address the grievances arising from the primaries.

In several parts of Zone C, party members have accused stakeholders of attempting to impose candidates through parallel processes.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC leadership in Benue State is yet to issue an official clarification on the conflicting claims emerging from the affected constituencies.

Meanwhile, supporters of the various aspirants have continued celebrating across communities, each insisting their candidate remains the legitimate winner of the primaries.