The Benue State All Progressives Congress (APC) is holding a keenly contested House of Representatives primary election on Saturday, with no fewer than 82 aspirants reportedly participating across the state.
According to a list released in the early hours of Saturday, the Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency recorded 14 aspirants, making it one of the most competitive races in the state.
The constituency is politically linked to the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia.
In the Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency, seven aspirants are contesting for the APC ticket.
The constituency is the home base of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Among those contesting in the constituency is Regina Akume, wife of the SGF.
Meanwhile, Blessing Onuh is seeking the APC ticket for the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency alongside three other aspirants.
Blessing is the daughter of former Senate President David Mark, who is currently associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Party members and aspirants were seen gathering at the APC secretariat in Makurdi as the primaries commenced.
The exercise is taking place amid renewed efforts by APC stakeholders to resolve internal disagreements reportedly linked to political camps associated with Governor Alia and Akume after months of factional tensions within the party in Benue State.