2027: Alleged hijack of APC senatorial primary election materials sparks anger in Benue

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 

Anxiety has gripped the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State following allegations that sensitive materials meant for the party’s Benue North East Senatorial District primary election were released to loyalists of former Governor Gabriel Suswam ahead of the exercise. 

A senior party source, who spoke anonymously because of the sensitive nature of the issue, claimed that electoral materials for the Zone A senatorial primary were allegedly handed over to aides of the former governor, a development that has stirred suspicion among stakeholders and aspirants. 

The source further alleged that the Returning Officers assigned to oversee the Benue North East primary were individuals believed to be close allies and political associates of the former governor, thereby raising concerns over the neutrality of the process. 

According to the source, “There are serious fears within the party because the materials for Benue North East Senatorial District have allegedly been released to aides of Senator Gabriel Suswam. The Returning Officers are also seen as his supporters.” 

The source also alleged that materials meant for Guma and Makurdi Local Government Areas were diverted to an undisclosed location in the New GRA area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital. 

“Although the materials allegedly seen so far are mainly registers and no result sheets have been identified, party members are worried that the process may already have been compromised,” the source stated. 

The latest allegations have further heightened tension within the ruling party as rival political blocs battle for influence ahead of the APC senatorial primaries in the state. 

Some stakeholders within the party are said to be uncomfortable with alleged moves to favour certain aspirants despite what they described as widespread resistance from grassroots party members. 

The source claimed that intelligence available to concerned APC members indicated that some individuals who are allies of the Governor were allegedly plotting to hijack electoral materials in order to manipulate the outcome of the primary elections. 

“There are plans being hatched by some unscrupulous elements to hijack materials meant for the conduct of the senatorial primaries. This is happening because unpopular candidates who lack grassroots acceptance are facing imminent defeat,” the source alleged. 

The stakeholders therefore appealed to the leadership of the APC at both the state and national levels to safeguard the integrity of the exercise and ensure that the process reflects the wishes of party members. 

“We call on the leadership of our great party to remain transparent and ensure that the democratic process is not undermined. The credibility of the primary election must be protected,” the source added.