The All Progressives Congress, APC, has reversed the outcome of National Assembly primary elections in Benue State, removing some candidates who emerged from the party’s primaries and replacing them with new nominees.
Among those affected is former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, whose victory in the Benue North East Senatorial primary has been nullified. He has now been replaced by Senator Emmanuel Udende.
The changes were made following the recommendations of 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 State.
Political observers say the latest decision reverses some of the major victories recorded by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s political camp during the primaries, while restoring several aspirants believed to be loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume.
For the Benue North West Senatorial District, Titus Zam was reinstated as the party’s candidate, replacing Benjamin Aber, husband of the Benue State Secretary to the Government, Deborah Aber.
The APC also announced fresh candidates for five House of Representatives seats. Dickson Tarkighir replaced Christopher Ikper in Makurdi/Guma, Austin Achado took over from Terhemba Nongo in Gwer East/Gwer West, Terser Ugbor replaced Kohol Iormem in Kwande/Ushongo, Sekav Iyortyom displaced Gideon Inyom in Buruku, while Sesoo Ikpagher replaced Livinus Tsar in Vandeikya/Konshisha.
The substitutions were communicated to INEC through a letter jointly signed by APC National Chairman,
