Tensions between Nigeria's Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Benue's governor remain unresolved after Monday's APC primary elections. The results revealed a clear power struggle playing out across the state's senatorial and House districts.
Mrs Regina Akume retained her ticket for Gboko/Tarka federal constituency at the House of Representatives. But six other lawmakers backing her husband, SGF Senator George Akume, failed to secure return tickets.
Among those defeated were Dickson Tarkghir (Makurdi/Guma), Sesoo Gboko (Vandeikya/Konshisha), and Asema Achado (Gwer East/Gwer West). Also losing their bids were Ugbor Terseer, Sekav Iortyom, and David Ogewu from their respective constituencies.
Two incumbent senators loyal to Akume suffered even heavier defeats in the Senate race. Both Emmanuel Udende and Titus Zam lost to candidates backed by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
In Benue North East, Udende scored just 1,364 votes against Gabriel Suswam's commanding 131,083. Suswam, a former governor and current senator, easily clinched the ticket.
Benue North West proved similarly lopsided for incumbent Zam. According to Chief Returning Officer John Hembe, Zam managed only 2,763 votes compared to Teseer Benjamin Aber's 93,412 votes.
Aber, a retired customs officer and husband to Benue's Secretary to the State Government, emerged victorious. He defeated Padopads Awunah, who secured 21,731 votes.
Direct primary voting took place across all three senatorial zones on Monday and Tuesday. Party officials conducted the exercise at designated locations statewide.
Dr. Francis Agbo won the Benue South senatorial ticket with 58,760 votes.
He's a former member of the House of Representatives.
Five other aspirants contested against Agbo in that zone. Joseph Ojobo came second with 6,782 votes.
Gabriel Oloche received 5,246 votes, while Nelson Alapa got 4,312. Daniel Onjeh scored 4,570 and Patrick Ojeche managed 2,732 votes.
Saidu Sabiu, Chairman of the Senatorial Primary Election Committee, announced the results on Tuesday. He congratulated all victorious candidates across the state.
Sabiu advised aggrieved contestants to lodge formal complaints with the party's Appeal Committee. According to him, candidates have 24 hours from the declaration to file grievances.
"This is a family affair, an internal process," Sabiu told reporters. He stressed that internal party competition should strengthen, not weaken, APC unity.
In his words, whoever emerged victorious would represent the party faithfully. He urged all members to rally behind nominees for the general elections ahead.
Sabiu expressed confidence the primary process would leave the party stronger and more focused. He called on members to maintain party unity going forward.
"May almighty God continue to support us," he added. Party members now await candidates' preparations for next year's general elections.
