Benue APC Reps Primaries Rocked by Upsets as Five Incumbents Lose Tickets

The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections have produced major political upsets, with at least five serving lawmakers losing their bids to return to the National Assembly.

The primaries, conducted across the 11 federal constituencies in the state, also witnessed the emergence of several new contenders believed to enjoy the backing of the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.

Among the most prominent winners were Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark, who secured the APC ticket for Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, and Regina Akume, who retained the party’s ticket for Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency.

The exercise, however, turned disastrous for several incumbent lawmakers loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Those who lost their return tickets include Terseer Ugbor of Kwande/Ushongo, Dickson Tarkighir of Makurdi/Guma, Sesoo Ikpacher of Vandeikya/Konshisha, David Ogewu of Oju/Obi, and Sekav Iortyom of Buruku Federal Constituency.

In Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, conflicting reports emerged over the outcome of the primary. While some reports indicated that incumbent lawmaker Austin Asema Achado retained control of the constituency, others stated that Engr. Terhemba Nongo defeated him to clinch the APC ticket.

Other candidates who emerged victorious in the primaries include Livinus Tsar for Vandeikya/Konshisha, Prof. Shadrack Kohol Iormem for Kwande/Ushongo, Solomon Wombo for Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo, Christopher Ikper for Makurdi/Guma, Gideon Nyom for Buruku, Ojotu Ojema for Apa/Agatu, Anthony Agom for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, and Dr. Peter Egbodo for Oju/Obi Federal Constituency.

In Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, Anthony Agom emerged unopposed following the defection of incumbent lawmaker Philip Agbese from the APC to the Labour Party ahead of the primaries.

The Buruku primary was reportedly marred by irregularities, including the snatching of election results in one ward and allegations that a presiding officer failed to return results from another polling area. Party officials said security operatives later restored calm and arrested a suspect linked to the disruption.

Chairman of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Benue State, Alhaji Sabiu Saidu Mahuta, declared the winners after collation of votes and urged all aspirants to accept the outcome in good faith.