Akume’s Loyalists Lose APC Reps Tickets In Benue Primaries

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume’s loyalists and several serving members of the House of Representatives from Benue State have lost their return tickets in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries held on Saturday across the state.

However, Akume’s wife, Regina Akume, secured her return ticket for the Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency seat.

Among those who failed to secure tickets were Asema Achado (Gwer/Gwer West), Dickson Tarkighir (Makurdi/Guma), Terseer Ugbor (Kwande/Ushongo), and Sekav Iyortyom (Buruku).

The APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee Chairman, Alhaji Saidu Mahuta, announced the results at the party secretariat in Makurdi.

According to him, Ojotu Ojema won the ticket for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, while Regina Akume emerged winner in Gboko/Tarka.

He also declared Christopher Terfa Ikper winner of Makurdi/Guma, and Hon. Gideon Inyom winner in Buruku Federal Constituency.

In Obi/Oju Federal Constituency, Dr. Peter Egbodo secured the ticket, while Anthony Agom emerged winner for Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu.

Terhemba Nongo clinched the ticket for Gwer/Gwer West, Prof. Kohol Iornem won Kwande/Ushongo, and Solomon Wombo emerged for Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo.

Livinus Tsar also won the ticket for Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency, while Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark, secured the APC ticket for Otukpo/Ohimin Federal Constituency.

The outcome is seen as a major political shift within the Benue APC structure, long influenced by SGF George Akume since 2015.

Akume had previously called for automatic tickets for Governor Hyacinth Alia and his loyalists during reconciliation talks, but the governor reportedly insisted on direct primaries for all aspirants.