Political Shake-Up As Akume Loyalists Fall Short In Benue APC Primaries

The exercise produced a series of surprise outcomes that appeared to favour the camp of Governor Hyacinth Alia, whose preferred candidates reportedly defeated several incumbent lawmakers and aspirants linked to the SGF’s political structure.

However, the primaries were also marked by controversy in several constituencies, with reports of protests, allegations of manipulation, rising tension, and fears of parallel declarations of results.

In Konshisha Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Engr. Livinus Tsar, widely seen as Governor Alia’s preferred candidate, recorded a decisive win over incumbent lawmaker Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, believed to be an ally of Akume.

Results from Mbavaa Ward showed Tsar polling 1,542 votes, while Ikpagher reportedly managed just five. Another collation sheet indicated Tsar secured 9,261 votes compared to Ikpagher’s 473, with other aspirants trailing far behind.

Tsar’s victory was widely viewed by observers as a major blow to the Akume-aligned bloc.

In the Gwer Federal Constituency, similar patterns emerged, where serving House member Hon. Achado, also linked to Akume, suffered heavy defeats across several wards.

At Mbabur Ward, Engr. Terhemba Nongo reportedly scored 988 votes against Achado’s 2, while Usar polled 11 votes. In Mbasombo Ward, Nongo secured 732 votes, with Achado getting 53. In Ikwe Ward, Nongo again led with 668 votes, while Achado recorded 59.

These results placed Nongo in a strong position in the Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency contest.

In Makurdi Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikper Terfa Christopher was reported to have dominated one of the wards with 1,802 votes, while other aspirants trailed significantly. Separate reports also suggested Orwough Maurice emerged as the APC candidate in Makurdi/Guma, though conflicting figures circulated among party sources.

The Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency primary was reportedly disrupted by protests following claims that local APC chairmen disappeared with election results. Eyewitnesses also alleged that armed individuals stormed the venue, dispersing party members and triggering chaos at the collation centre.

There were further allegations of irregularities, including suspected thumb-printing activities near Okpoga Roundabout under questionable supervision, heightening tensions among stakeholders.

In Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, fears of parallel declarations also emerged, with party members warning that disputes between factions could worsen internal divisions within the APC if not urgently resolved.

Amid the widespread tension, Regina Akume, wife of the SGF, emerged winner in Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency after her opponent reportedly withdrew from the race, marking one of the few positive outcomes for the Akume political family.

Other reported winners across the state include Alex Adding (Buruku), Regina Akume (Gboko/Tarka), Orwough Maurice (Makurdi/Guma), Engr. Terhemba Nongo (Gwer East/Gwer West), Prof. Kohol Iornem (Kwande/Ushongo), Solomon Wombo (Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo), and Engr. Livinus Tsar (Vandeikya/Konshisha).

Despite the outcomes, Akume loyalists are reportedly insisting that some sitting lawmakers should retain their positions, arguing that the arrangement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s alleged directive on legislative continuity.