MAKURDI – Six members of the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State have lost their re-election bids in the party’s primaries.
The lawmakers, reportedly loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, were defeated in elections largely dominated by candidates perceived to be aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia.
According to results released by the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Benue, only four out of 11 seats were retained, while one member had earlier defected to the Labour Party before the primaries.
Committee chairman, Alhaji Sabiu Mahuta, announced that Mr Austin Achado (Gwer East/Gwer West), Mr David Ogewu (Oju/Obi), Mr Terseer Ugbor (Kwande/Ushongo), Mr Sekav Iyortyom (Buruku), and Mr Dickson Tarkighir (Makurdi/Guma) all lost their return tickets.
However, four incumbents secured re-election tickets: Mrs Regina Akume (Gboko/Tarka), Mr Solomon Wombo (Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo), Pastor Ojotu Ojema (Apa/Agatu), and Mrs Blessing Onuh (Otukpo/Ohimini).
Mahuta said the primaries were conducted in line with APC guidelines, noting that logistical and security challenges delayed the return of results from some areas.
He explained that returning officers were advised to lodge in secure locations before reconvening for collation and announcement.
In Gwer East/Gwer West, Achado lost to Mr David Nongo, who polled 17,429 votes against his 729 votes.
Some wards reportedly experienced cancellations due to overvoting and disruptions, including incidents of snatching of electoral materials.
In Oju/Obi, Mr Peter Ogbodo defeated Ogewu with 12,993 votes to 120
In Makurdi/Guma, Mr Christopher Ikper defeated incumbent Tarkighir with 37,844 votes to 1,746.
In Buruku, Mr Gideon Inyom defeated Iyortyom with 10,470 votes to 1,396.
Mahuta declared other winners including Mr Anthony Agom (Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu), Pastor Ojotu Ojema (Apa/Agatu), Mrs Regina Akume (Gboko/Tarka) and Mrs Blessing Onuh (Otukpo/Ohimini).