The ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly primaries in Benue State have been thrown into serious tension and uncertainty amid widespread allegations of candidate imposition, manipulation of election materials, and attempts to undermine the democratic will of party members.
Across several federal constituencies in the state, reports emerged of confusion surrounding delegate accreditation, delayed arrival of electoral materials, and fierce disagreements over alleged plans to force unpopular candidates on the people.
The exercise, expected to determine APC candidates for the 2027 National Assembly elections, has further exposed the growing internal crack within the ruling party, particularly between loyalists of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and supporters of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
In some constituencies, angry party members reportedly rejected consensus arrangements and insisted on transparent direct voting processes in line with APC constitutional guidelines, leading to heated confrontations among supporters of various aspirants.
The situation appeared most intense in the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, where supporters of Comrade Andrew Agbo Abu and the O’TÓLÈ BI Movement raised serious concerns over alleged attempts to manipulate the outcome of the APC House of Representatives primary election.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Comrade Andrew Agbo Abu expressed gratitude to the people of Ohimini and Otukpo for what he described as an overwhelming demonstration of support for the O’TÓLÈ BI ideology and a new political direction rooted in justice, inclusion, youth empowerment, and genuine representation.
According to him, communities including Awume Icho, Awumeh Ehaje, Onyagede Icho, Onyagede Ehaje, Agadagba, Ochobo, Oglewu Ehaje, Ehatope, Township Central, Allan, Okete, Ewulo Wards 1, 2 and 3, Akpa, Otobi, Entakpa, Ugboju Icho, and Ugboju Ehaje all turned out massively in support of the movement despite what he described as intimidation and pressure from desperate political interests.
“The wishes of the people must prevail,” he declared.
He further warned that any attempt to rob the people of their collective mandate through the manipulation of results or imposition of an unpopular candidate after years of what he called poor and ineffective representation would be resisted politically and democratically by the masses.
Observers say the warning reflects growing anger among grassroots party supporters who fear that the outcome of the primaries may already have been compromised in favor of certain entrenched political interests.
Particularly troubling are allegations that Hon. Blessing Onuh and some members of the APC primary election committee were allegedly camped in Room 003 of Ochacho Hotel where election materials were purportedly being manipulated and filled in favor of a preferred aspirant.
Though the allegations remain unverified at the time of filing this report, the claims have intensified protests and heightened political tension across parts of the constituency.
“We are patiently waiting for the official outcome of the elections before taking the next constitutional and democratic steps available to us,” Comrade Andrew Agbo Abu stated.
The O’TÓLÈ BI Movement maintained that it remains peaceful, focused, and fully committed to defending what it described as the genuine mandate and collective will of the people.
Political observers warn that if the APC leadership fails to ensure transparency, credibility, and fairness in the conduct of the primaries, the party risks a major internal rebellion capable of weakening its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections in Benue State.
