APC reverses Benue NASS primary results, replaces candidates

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has revised the outcome of its National Assembly primary elections in Benue State, replacing several candidates who emerged from the primaries with new nominees.

 

Among those affected is former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, whose victory in the Benue North East Senatorial primary was nullified. The party has reinstated incumbent Senator Emmanuel Udende as its candidate.

 

The changes followed recommendations by the APC Primary Election Appeal Committee and were reflected in the party’s final list of candidates submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

The review affected candidates for two senatorial districts and five House of Representatives constituencies.

 

In Benue North West, Senator Titus Zam was reinstated as the APC candidate, replacing Benjamin Aber.

 

The party also announced new candidates for five House of Representatives seats. Dickson Tarkighir replaced Christopher Ikper in Makurdi/Guma, Austin Achado replaced Terhemba Nongo in Gwer East/Gwer West, Terser Ugbor took over from Kohol Iormem in Kwande/Ushongo, Sekav Iyortyom replaced Gideon Inyom in Buruku, while Sesoo Ikpagher emerged in place of Livinus Tsar for Vandeikya/Konshisha.

 

The substitutions were conveyed to INEC in a letter jointly signed by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.

 

The latest decision reverses several victories recorded by allies of Governor Hyacinth Alia during the May 2026 primaries and restores the tickets of several aspirants believed to be loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

 

During the House of Representatives primaries on May 17, six serving lawmakers aligned with Akume lost their re-election bids. Five of them—Austin Achado, Dickson Tarkighir, Terser Ugbor, Sekav Iyortyom and Sesoo Ikpagher—have now regained the party’s tickets.

 

Similarly, Suswam’s victory over Emmanuel Udende in the Benue North East Senatorial primary and Benjamin Aber’s emergence ahead of Titus Zam have now been reversed.

 

With the revised list, Governor Alia’s camp retains seven major National Assembly tickets, including Francis Agbo (Benue South Senate), Ojotu Ojema (Apa/Agatu), Anthony Agom (Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo), Blessing Onuh (Otukpo/Ohimini), Peter Ogbodo (Oju/Obi), Regina Akume (Gboko/Tarka) and Solomon Wombo (Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo).

 

The Akume camp also now controls seven National Assembly tickets, including those of Senators Emmanuel Udende and Titus Zam, as well as House of Representatives candidates Austin Achado, Dickson Tarkighir, Sekav Iyortyom, Terser Ugbor and Sesoo Ikpagher.