Ogbadibo2019: Group reacts to alleged substitution of APC candidate

A group, United Ogbadibo Initiative, has debunked reports that Audu Ogbe, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, substituted names of elected candidates at APC primaries in Ogbadibo state House of Assembly and other federal and state constituencies.

In a statement on Monday, signed by Ogbe Samuel, the Owukpa Wing coordinator of the group, it explained that in Owukpa, Orokam and Otukpa local government areas of the state, the leaders unanimously agreed that zoning of the position should be upheld in Otukpa District.

Consequently, the group described the reports as malicious, false and a deliberate attempt to disparage the image of the minister.

Samuel said what transpired during the APC primary election in Benue State was a free, fair and credible process.

“Chief Ogbe and other leaders, in their wisdom after it was confirmed that there was no election, agreed that zoning should uphold, which they all agreed that it was Otukpas turn,” he added.

“It is important to note also that a vote of confidence was passed on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development by the APC leaders of Zone C on Wednesday 17 2018.

“The elders and stakeholders of Zone C met to determine who, out of the aspirants, will represent the people in areas where election did not hold on October 6, 2018 and to also refute any imposition of candidate by some elders outside the zone,” he added.

The group, however, urged the general public especially the Ogbadibo extraction to refute any notice contrary to the allegation as it is misleading and tantamount to cause disunity among the people.

The group of described the publications as an attempt by some mischievous elements to throw the peaceful people of Ogbadibo local government into mayhem.