ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The political camp of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, recorded major victories in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries, dealing a significant blow to allies of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Results announced after the Saturday primaries showed that several candidates loyal to Governor Alia emerged victorious across key federal constituencies in the state, underscoring the governor’s growing influence within the All Progressives Congress structure in Benue.
The chairman of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee in the state, Alhaji Sabiu Mahuta, announced the results at the party secretariat in Makurdi on Sunday.
Among those who secured tickets are serving lawmaker Ojotu Ojema for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Terfa Ikper for Makurdi/Guma, Gideon Inyom for Buruku, Engr. Terhemba Nongo for Gwer East/Gwer West, and Professor Kohol Iormem for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency.
Others include Solomon Wombo, who retained the Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo ticket; Livinus Tsar for Vandeikya/Konshisha; Dr. Peter Ogbodo for Oju/Obi; and Anthony Agom for Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency.
Most of the victorious candidates are believed to be aligned with Governor Alia’s political camp.
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On the other hand, several loyalists of Akume reportedly lost out in the exercise, including Dzua Yortyom, Dickson Tarkighir, Austin Achado and Sesoo Ikpacher.
Two serving lawmakers, Terseer Ugbor and David Ogewo, also failed to secure return tickets during the primaries.
Despite the setbacks suffered by some SGF loyalists, Akume’s wife, Regina Akume, who currently represents Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency, won her primary to retain the APC ticket.
Similarly, Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark and current national chairman of the African Democratic Congress, also emerged victorious in the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency primary.
The outcome of the primaries is being viewed as a major test of strength between the camps of Governor Alia and Senator Akume, especially amid earlier controversy surrounding alleged automatic tickets for serving lawmakers.
Akume had reportedly stated during a reconciliation meeting in Makurdi that President Bola Tinubu directed that all serving members of the National and State Assemblies be granted automatic tickets.
However, governor Alia publicly distanced himself from the arrangement, insisting that neither he nor the SGF possessed the authority to impose automatic tickets.
The governor further maintained that both the President and APC national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, had made it clear that all aspirants must participate in competitive primaries.
The latest development is expected to deepen political realignments within the APC in Benue ahead of the 2027 general elections.