APC Overturns Benue NASS Primaries, Installs Akume-Backed Candidates

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has overturned the results of some National Assembly primaries conducted in Benue State, replacing candidates believed to be loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia with aspirants aligned with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The development followed petitions submitted to the party’s appeal committee by aggrieved aspirants who challenged the outcome of the primaries conducted earlier by the party.

Among the major changes, the APC reportedly reversed the results of the Benue North-East and Benue North-West senatorial primaries, restoring the tickets of incumbent senators, Emmanuel Udende and Titus Zam, both regarded as allies of the SGF.

The party also made changes in some House of Representatives contests, with candidates backed by the Akume political camp replacing those initially declared winners during the primaries.

However, the results of some candidates remained unchanged.

Those whose victories were retained include Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo for Katsina-Ala/Logo/Ukum Federal Constituency, Lady Blessing Onuh for Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, Chief Mrs. Regina Akume for Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency, and Pastor Ojotu Ojema for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.

The latest development is expected to intensify the political rivalry between Governor Alia and Senator Akume despite previous reconciliation efforts aimed at fostering unity within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Recall that the earlier primaries had largely favoured candidates perceived to be loyal to Governor Alia, prompting protests and petitions from some aspirants who alleged irregularities in the conduct of the exercises.

As of the time of filing this report, the national leadership of the APC had yet to issue an official statement on the revised list of candidates.