Some serving members of the House of Representatives believed to be loyal to former Benue State Governor and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, have reportedly lost out in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary elections held across parts of Benue State on Saturday, May 16, 2027.
The exercise, which produced several surprise results, appeared to strengthen the camp of Governor Hyacinth Alia, whose preferred aspirants reportedly defeated some incumbent lawmakers and other aspirants linked to the SGF’s political structure.
The primaries, however, were not without controversy, as protests, allegations of manipulation, tension, and fears of parallel declarations were reported in some federal constituencies.
In Konshisha Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Engr. Livinus Tsar, said to be the preferred candidate of Governor Alia, recorded a landslide victory over the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, who is believed to be an ally of Akume.
Results from Mbavaa Ward in Konshisha LGA showed that Tsar polled 1,542 votes, while Ikpagher secured only five votes.
Another result sheet from the APC Federal Constituency primary election in Konshisha showed that Tsar scored 9,261 votes, while Ikpagher polled 473.
Other aspirants in the race recorded significantly lower figures.
Tsar’s victory was seen by party observers as one of the major setbacks suffered by the Akume camp in the exercise.
In Gwer Federal Constituency, results from some wards also suggested a major setback for another serving House of Representatives member and Akume loyalist, Hon. Achado.
In Mbabur Ward, Engr. Terhemba Nongo polled 988 votes, while Achado secured only two votes. Another aspirant, Usar, got 11 votes.
At Mbasombo Ward, Nongo secured 732 votes, while Achado polled 53 votes.
In Ikwe Ward, Nongo also maintained his lead with 668 votes, while Achado recorded 59 votes.
The results placed Nongo in a strong position in the Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency race.
Makurdi/Guma Race Produces Mixed Reports
In Makurdi Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikper Terfa Christopher reportedly emerged dominant in one of the wards after polling 1,802 votes, while other contenders secured marginal votes.
There were also reports from Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency indicating that Orwough Maurice emerged as the winner of the APC ticket.
The development created some uncertainty about the full outcome of the contest, especially as different figures and names were circulating among party sources.
Protests Rock Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the APC primary election in Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency was reportedly marred by protests following the alleged disappearance of the three local government APC chairmen from Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo with the election results.
According to Daily Post, eyewitnesses alleged that heavily armed men stormed the venue and dispersed party members and supporters, causing confusion at the collation centre.
The situation reportedly paved the way for suspected political thugs to engage in massive thumb-printing around the Okpoga Roundabout area under the watch of security personnel.
The incident heightened tension among party members, with some aspirants and their supporters alleging that the process had been compromised.
Tension also trailed the APC primary election in Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, where fears emerged over possible parallel declarations of winners by rival camps within the party.
Party members in the area expressed concern that the disagreement could deepen the internal crisis within the APC if not quickly addressed by the party leadership.
The situation added to the controversies that followed the conduct of the primaries in several parts of the state.
Regina Akume Wins Gboko/Tarka Ticket
In Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency, Regina Akume, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emerged winner after her opponent reportedly stepped down from the race.
Her victory stood out as one of the few positive outcomes for the Akume political family amid reports that several of the SGF’s loyalists lost ground in other constituencies.
Reported Winners Across Federal Constituencies
The reported winners from the APC House of Representatives primaries in Benue State include:
- Buruku Federal Constituency – Alex Adding
- Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency – Regina Akume
- Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency – Orwough Maurice
- Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency – Engr. Terhemba Nongo
- Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency – Prof. Kohol Iornem
- Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency – Solomon Wombo
- Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency – Chief Engr. Livinus Tsar
Despite the reported outcomes, loyalists of the SGF were said to be insisting on the return of some sitting lawmakers.
They argued that the arrangement was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s alleged directive on continuity for National Assembly members.