APC overturns many Benue primaries, drops Suswam, others after appeals

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has significantly revised the outcomes of its National Assembly primaries in Benue State, Nigeria, overturning initial results for several key positions. The party's final candidate list, submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reflects changes in two senatorial districts and five House of Representatives constituencies, following recommendations from its Primary Election Appeal Committee.

These adjustments have led to the replacement of prominent figures, including former Governor Gabriel Suswam, who was replaced by Emmanuel Udende for the Benue North East Senatorial District ticket. In the Benue North West Senatorial District, Titus Zam takes the place of Benjamin Aber. These reversals appear to shift the balance of power within the state chapter of the APC, restoring candidates widely considered loyalists of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

The revised list notably reinstates five House of Representatives candidates: Dickson Tarkighir, Austin Achado, Terser Ugbor, Sekav Iyortyom, and Sesoo Ikpagher. These individuals had initially lost their return tickets during the primaries, which were widely interpreted as a decisive victory for Governor Hyacinth Alia in his political rivalry with Mr. Akume. Their reinstatement suggests a significant influence of the SGF's camp in the final candidate selection.

The shake-up occurred approximately six weeks after the primaries, which had initially suggested a strong showing for Governor Alia's allies. The earlier results had also appeared to dismiss calls for automatic tickets for incumbent lawmakers, a proposal reportedly favored by Mr. Akume. The APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru communicated these substitutions to INEC, citing the appeal committee's report as the basis for the changes.