APC Primaries in Benue Deliver Major Upsets as Several Sitting Reps Lose Ground

The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries in Benue State concluded with significant political shocks as several sitting lawmakers and high-profile aspirants suffered heavy defeats.

In Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikper Terfa Christopher demonstrated strong dominance, polling 1,802 votes in one ward. In Gwer East/Gwer West, Engr. Terhemba Nongo delivered a crushing performance, scoring 988 votes in Mbabur Ward while serving lawmaker Hon. Achado Asema managed only 2 votes.

One of the most decisive results came from Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency, where Dr. Engr. Livinus Tsar overwhelmingly defeated incumbent Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, an ally of former Governor George Akume. Tsar scored 9,261 votes against Ikpagher’s 473.

Other reported winners include:

– Buruku Federal Constituency — Hon. Gideon Inyom
– Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency — Mrs. Regina Akume
– Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency — Hon. Ikper Terfa Christopher
– Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency — Engr. Terhemba Nongo
– Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency — Prof. Kohol Iornem
– Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency — Solomon Wombo

The primaries were however not without drama. Tension and chaos were reported in Oju/Obi and Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituencies, with allegations of missing election results, armed men storming collation centres, and suspected thuggery.

The outcomes suggest a major shift, with several lawmakers perceived to be loyal to SGF George Akume losing out to new aspirants. As reactions continue, Akume loyalists are reportedly pushing for the return of sitting members, citing an alleged directive on continuity from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Benue APC primaries have further intensified political temperatures in the state as the journey toward the 2027 general elections gathers momentum.