Akume Beats Alia As Loyalists Win APC Tickets In Benue

A fresh power struggle has erupted within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after loyalists of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, secured the party’s final senatorial and House of Representatives tickets submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), replacing candidates earlier declared winners from Governor Hyacinth Alia’s camp.

LEADERSHIP gathered that several Governor Alia loyalists who were announced winners during the party’s primary elections in Makurdi did not make the final list forwarded to INEC, with serving federal lawmakers aligned with Akume emerging as the APC’s official candidates for the 2027 general elections.

A review of the party’s final nominations showed that senators Titus Zam (Benue North-West) and Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East) retained the party’s tickets. Also returned were House of Representatives members Terseer Ugbor (Kwande/Ushongo), Dickson Tarkighir (Makurdi/Guma), Asema Achado (Gwer East/Gwer West), Sesoo Ikpagher (Vandeikya/Konshisha), Regina Akume (Gboko/Tarka) and Sekav Iortyom (Buruku), among others.

The development comes despite a reconciliation meeting held on May 3, 2026, between Governor Alia and Akume, where both leaders pledged to end internal disagreements ahead of the APC primaries and the 2027 elections.

Following the meeting, Akume had reportedly sought automatic tickets for incumbent National Assembly members, while Governor Alia insisted that all aspirants should participate in the party’s direct primaries.

Political observers say the latest development suggests the reconciliation failed to resolve the deep-seated rivalry between both camps, with the contest over party structures and nominations continuing behind the scenes.

Confirming his emergence as the APC’s authentic candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District, Senator Titus Zam disclosed that the party’s National Primary Election Appeals Committee upheld his petition and overturned the earlier result announced in Makurdi.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, Zam said he won the primary election conducted on June 18 but alleged that fake results were later announced after election materials were diverted.

“On the 18th of June, APC held her party primaries for the senate ticket across the country. I was a contender and clearly won with the actual results supported by videos and photos available for all and sundry to see, however confirmed reports from security sources, party agents and social media indicated that some election materials were being diverted, consequently fake results emerged therefrom announcing the person I evidently defeated as the winner,” he stated.

He added, “Armed with the genuine results from the field, supported by both digital and manual records that affirmed my victory, I petitioned the party’s National Appeal Committee for a review of those results fraudulently declared in Makurdi.”

According to him, “It is my pleasure to report that the case has been decided in my favour, justice is done and I have been returned as duly elected flag bearer or candidate for the Benue North-West Senatorial District.

“All the processes and procedures to formalise my candidacy with the relevant electoral and security agencies are being done by the party at the headquarters.”

Zam thanked President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, SGF George Akume and his constituents for what he described as ensuring justice prevailed.

“I wish to commend the National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nantawe, the President and Commander-in-Chief, HE Sen Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR, and my benefactor Sen. Dr. George Akume, SGF, and all the good people of Benue North-West Senatorial District for ensuring that the right thing is done, not just to me but to the entire National Assembly members in Benue State.

“With this information, I wish to plead that my supporters across the seven LGAs should embrace peace, love and party solidarity. To God be the glory.”

Similarly, the media aide to Senator Emmanuel Udende, Jerry Iorngaem, confirmed that the Benue North-East lawmaker had completed his nomination process.

“Benue North-East Senator, Distinguished Senator Emmanuel Udende, filled and submitted his INEC nomination forms at the weekend. It is not time for celebration because we are one big Benue APC family,” he told LEADERSHIP.