NDC Suspends Benue Governorship Aspirant Over Alleged Misconduct

The Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has ratified the suspension of a former governorship aspirant, Engr Benjamin Akaakar, from the party for one month over allegations of misconduct.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the State Working Committee held on 23 June 2026 at the party’s state secretariat.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Benue State Publicity Secretary of the party, Agile Ordedoo Bem, said the suspension followed a petition submitted by executives of Mbadede Ward, where Akaakar hails from.

According to the statement, the ward executives alleged that reports from aspirants within the local government indicated that Akaakar had the party’s nomination forms and was allegedly selling them through his private accounts.

The ward executives subsequently recommended that the state leadership investigate the allegations and impose appropriate sanctions where necessary.

Bem stated that the State Working Committee had earlier constituted a seven-member fact-finding and disciplinary committee to probe the claims.

He said the committee invited Akaakar to appear before it and respond to the allegations, but he allegedly failed to honour the invitation.

The committee thereafter recommended his suspension, citing relevant provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

The statement noted that Akaakar, who until his suspension was a governorship aspirant under the party’s platform, would cease to parade himself as a member of the NDC or to represent the party in any capacity throughout the suspension period.

The party added that copies of the suspension notice had been forwarded to the National Working Committee of the NDC, security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, and media organisations for necessary action.