Benue South APC Primaries: Ottah triumphs as Onjeh chickens out of race over alleged imposition

Former lawmaker, Francis Ottah Agbo, has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Benue South after polling the highest number of votes across the nine local government areas in the district.

Ottah secured a commanding 58,760 votes to defeat other contenders in what has become one of the most controversial and politically charged APC primaries in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Other aspirants recorded the following votes:

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

Ottah’s emergence came amid growing internal crisis within the APC following the withdrawal of former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Daniel Onjeh, from the race over alleged imposition of a preferred candidate.

The APC primary had, in recent days, generated intense political tension across Benue South, with aspirants and stakeholders sharply divided over the conduct of the exercise and alleged external influence in determining the party’s candidate.

Before the primary, Onjeh publicly accused some influential figures within the party of attempting to manipulate the process in favour of a particular aspirant.

In a video statement announcing his withdrawal from the contest, the APC chieftain described the process as compromised and undemocratic.

“I cannot subject myself to a process that is already predetermined,” Onjeh declared.

He further alleged that some political actors around the Benue State Government were involved in rewriting lists and influencing the outcome of the primary election.

The former APC senatorial candidate expressed disappointment over what he described as the party’s failure to recognise his sacrifices and contributions toward building the APC structure in Benue South from the days of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The controversy surrounding the primary escalated further after former aide to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom, Yemi Itodo, reacted strongly to reports that some stakeholders outside Benue South were allegedly influencing the process.

“A Tiv man cannot decide Idoma senator,” Itodo stated while reacting to the development.

According to him, if consensus became necessary, it should strictly be handled by Idoma and Igede elders within Benue South and not by politicians outside the district.

Despite the protests and political tension, the APC primary eventually proceeded, with Ottah emerging winner after dominating the poll across the district.

Amid the controversy, an APC chieftain, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, openly backed Ottah Agbo ahead of the primary, describing him as the best candidate for Benue South.

In a statement shared on social media before the election, Ogenyi said the contest was beyond ordinary party politics and concerned the political future of the Idoma and Igede people.

“To the good people of Benue South Senatorial District, today is the APC senatorial primary election, but it is not just about the APC, but the destiny of the Idoma/Igede people,” he wrote.

“We must present the best among equals, a tested and trusted legislator whose reign in the lower chamber saw massive development both in human capital and infrastructure.”

Ogenyi appealed to APC members and delegates to support Ottah during the exercise, insisting that “Benue South cannot settle for less.”

Political observers believe Ottah’s victory was largely driven by his grassroots popularity, legislative experience and broad acceptability across the nine local government areas in the district.

Ottah represented Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023, where he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs.

His emergence is already being viewed as a major political development capable of reshaping the power dynamics in Benue South ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, concerns remain within the APC over the growing dissatisfaction among some aspirants and their supporters, with fears that unresolved grievances arising from the primary could affect party unity in the district.