APC overturns Benue primaries, reinstates Akume-aligned candidates after Alia's initial victory
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has overturned its National Assembly primary results in Benue State, replacing candidates aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia with loyalists of Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume. The party's final candidate list submitted to INEC shows Emmanuel Udende replacing Gabriel Suswam for Benue North East Senatorial District, and Titus Zam replacing Benjamin Aber for Benue North West. Five House of Representatives seats were also changed: Dickson Tarkighir replaced Christopher Ikper in Makurdi/Guma, Austin Achado replaced Terhemba Nongo in Gwer East/Gwer West, Terser Ugbor replaced Kohol Iormem in Kwande/Ushongo, Sekav Iyortyom replaced Gideon Inyom in Buruku, and Sesoo Ikpagher replaced Livinus Tsar in Vandeikya/Konshisha.
This reversal significantly alters the political balance in Benue APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor Alia's camp initially won decisive victories in the May 17-19 primaries, defeating Akume-aligned incumbents including Austin Achado, Dickson Tarkighir, Terser Ugbor, Sekav Iyortyom and Sesoo Ikpagher. The Akume camp had advocated for automatic tickets for serving legislators at a pre-primary reconciliation meeting, but Alia rejected this as "a prayer, not a resolution." The reinstatement now gives both camps seven National Assembly tickets each, signaling a more balanced power-sharing arrangement.
The development shifts focus to Benue State House of Assembly nominations where both camps will test their strength again. Voters should note this internal APC realignment directly affects who will represent them in National Assembly seats from Benue, with Akume's influence resurgent after Alia's initial primary success. Will this renewed balance foster stability or intensify the Alia-Akume rivalry as 2027 approaches?