Benue APC Primaries: Alia camp crushes Akume’s loyalists

The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries in Benue State were on Saturday marred by protests, allegations of irregularities, rising political tension and insecurity concerns, as several serving lawmakers loyal to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, reportedly suffered major defeats.

The exercise, conducted across the state’s federal constituencies, also exposed the growing political influence of Governor Hyacinth Alia within the ruling party, with candidates believed to enjoy the governor’s backing recording sweeping victories in several areas.

In Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Engr. Livinus Tsar, said to be Governor Alia’s preferred candidate, defeated incumbent lawmaker and Akume ally, Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, by a wide margin.

Results from Mbavaa Ward in Konshisha Local Government Area showed that Tsar polled 1,542 votes, while Ikpagher secured only five votes.

Another APC result sheet from the constituency indicated that Tsar recorded 9,261 votes to emerge victorious ahead of Ikpagher, who polled 473 votes.

Similarly, in Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Engr. Terhemba Nongo recorded overwhelming victories in several wards against another serving House of Representatives member and Akume loyalist, Hon. Achado.

In Mbabur Ward, Nongo scored 988 votes against Achado’s two votes, while Usar polled 11 votes.

At Mbasombo Ward, Nongo secured 732 votes while Achado recorded 53 votes.

In Ikwe Ward, Nongo polled 668 votes against Achado’s 59 votes.

Political observers described the results as a major setback for the Akume political structure within the APC in Benue State.

Tension also trailed the APC primary election in Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, otherwise known as Enone, amid fears of parallel declarations of winners by rival camps within the party.

In Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, protests erupted in Okpoga, headquarters of Okpokwu Local Government Area, following the alleged disappearance of the three local government APC chairmen from Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo with election results.

Eyewitnesses alleged that heavily armed men stormed the venue and dispersed party members and supporters, creating confusion at the collation centre.

The situation reportedly paved the way for suspected political thugs to engage in massive thumb-printing around the Okpoga Roundabout area under the watch of security personnel.

In Apa Local Government Area, angry youths staged protests during the ongoing APC primaries over the worsening insecurity and persistent killings in parts of Benue South.

The protesters, who carried a symbolic coffin and placards with different inscriptions, barricaded major roads and disrupted political activities in the area.

Chanting “No election,” the youths insisted that political leaders must first address insecurity and killings in the area before conducting party primaries and other political activities.

Despite the tension, the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Hon. Pst. Ojotu Ojema, emerged winner of the APC primary election for the constituency.

Ojema, who previously sparked controversy after allegedly stating that non-APC members would not get jobs under the party’s government, polled 11,305 votes to defeat five other contestants.

Announcing the result, the Collation Officer, Comrade Ajoma Success Ode, declared Ojema winner after the collation of votes from the 21 council wards in the constituency.

According to the official results, Matthew Ochayi Alidu came second with 985 votes, while Hon. Danladi Ochekpe secured 934 votes to place third.

Other contestants recorded the following scores:

• Hon. Simon Omachoko — 896 votes
• Hon./Mrs. Ruth Ochefu — 872 votes
• Hon. James Abu Umoru — 608 votes

The total number of registered voters stood at 17,586, while 15,600 votes were cast during the exercise.

Despite the controversy surrounding his earlier comments, supporters of Ojema described his victory as a reflection of his grassroots support and legislative performance across Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas.

The APC primaries in Benue State generally witnessed protests, logistical challenges and allegations of manipulation, further exposing the deepening divisions within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.