Benue APC Members Oppose Alleged Nomination Swap, Back Primary Winner

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kwande and Ushongo Local Government Areas of Benue State on Friday staged a peaceful protest over what they described as an attempt to replace the winner of the party's House of Representatives primary election with another aspirant.

The protesters called on the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to uphold the outcome of the party's May 16 primary by recognising Prof. Iornem Kohol as the APC candidate for the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election.

They also rejected reports alleging that nomination documents for the election had been issued to the incumbent member representing the constituency, Rep. Terseer Ugbor, despite what they said was his defeat in the primary election.

According to the protesters, Prof. Kohol polled 40,672 votes to emerge winner of the primary, defeating five other aspirants, while Ugbor secured 750 votes.

The demonstration was led by party members, including Comrade Ken Kaase, Aondolumun Ordorugh and Fidelis of Mbakuha, who urged the party leadership to protect the integrity of its internal democratic process by respecting the outcome of the primary election.

They argued that recognising any aspirant other than the declared winner would undermine members confidence in the party and weaken its commitment to transparent and credible candidate selection.

The protesters also maintained that, in the spirit of equity and fairness, the House of Representatives seat should rotate to Ushongo Local Government Area.

According to them, Kwande Local Government Area has produced the federal lawmaker for about two decades, while Ushongo has not occupied the seat for approximately 16 years.

Receiving the protesters, Adzu assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.

He expressed optimism that the aspirant who legitimately emerged from the party's primary election would ultimately be recognised by the APC.

Neither the APC National Working Committee nor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had publicly responded to the protesters' claims at the time of filing this report.