The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary elections in Benue State have produced a fresh set of candidates who will fly the party’s flag in the 2027 general elections, with several incumbents losing out in a keenly contested exercise.
The primaries, which held across the 11 federal constituencies in the state, saw a mix of victories for political heavyweights, first-time contenders, and loyalists of the party’s various power blocs.
According to official results released by the APC National Assembly Election Committee, the exercise was largely peaceful, although it recorded major upsets, including the defeat of several sitting lawmakers seeking re-election.
In Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency, Mrs. Regina Akume, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emerged victorious after polling 19,638 votes to defeat her closest rival.
In Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark, also secured the APC ticket with 17,451 votes, defeating other contenders in the race.
For Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Solomon Wombo clinched the party’s ticket after a decisive victory over his opponents, while in Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Prof. Kohol Iornem emerged winner following a strong showing at the primaries.
In Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Peter Egbodo defeated the incumbent lawmaker David Ogewu, marking a significant upset in the constituency.
Similarly, in Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Anthony Agom won the ticket after defeating William Obande, while in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Ojotu Ojema secured victory over state lawmaker Abu Umoru.
In Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Christopher Ikper emerged winner, defeating incumbent Dickson Tarkighir, just as Gideon Inyom triumphed in Buruku Federal Constituency after overcoming incumbent Sekav Iortyom.
In Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, David Nongo clinched the ticket, while Livinus Tsar emerged winner in Konshisha/Vandeikya Federal Constituency.
Political observers say the outcome of the primaries signals a major shift in Benue APC politics, with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s camp reportedly consolidating dominance across most constituencies ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, party leaders have called for unity among all aspirants, urging those who lost to support the flag bearers in order to strengthen the APC’s chances in the coming general elections.
