Tension as Benue ADC primaries end in confusion

The ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress in Benue State took a dramatic turn this week as protests, internal rebellion, alleged attacks and confusion over primary elections threw the party into turmoil across Benue South.

What started as disagreements over the conduct of the party primaries has now snowballed into one of the biggest internal crises to hit the ADC in the state ahead of the 2027 political season.

The anger exploded publicly in Makurdi where protesters and aggrieved youths stormed the office of the state chairman, Samson Okwu, and temporarily took over sections of the party secretariat, demanding explanations from party leaders over the outcome of the primaries and alleged manipulation of the process.

Witnesses said the protesters accused some leaders of attempting to “shortchange the Idoma people” during negotiations and delegate arrangements ahead of the elections.

One protester at the scene declared: “This is not just politics anymore. People feel betrayed.”

The crisis later spread to parts of Benue South, especially in the Enone axis and Apa/Agatu, where confusion emerged over the authenticity of the primary elections conducted in the affected areas.

Speaking amid the controversy, ADC state chairman Samson Okwu insisted that no valid primary election took place in Apa/Agatu and Enone, a statement that further intensified tension among rival camps within the party.

“There was no primary election in Apa/Agatu and Enone,” Okwu reportedly stated while responding to growing complaints from party members.

The declaration immediately triggered fresh arguments among supporters, with some insisting candidates had already emerged from the disputed process while the chairman insisted that there was no election.

A party stakeholder in Otukpo described the development as a sign that the crisis within the ADC was becoming uncontrollable.

“What began as disagreement over primaries is now turning into intimidation and open hostility,” the stakeholder said.

There was also growing outrage over the alleged takeover of the party structure by competing interests, with some members accusing powerful actors of sidelining grassroots supporters who helped build the party in Benue South.

Another youth leader involved in the protests said:

“People are angry because they believe the Idoma interest is being sacrificed for political arrangements.”

The crisis has now exposed deep divisions within the ADC in Benue State, particularly over representation, loyalty and control of the party structure ahead of future elections.