In a dramatic turn of events, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued an immediate suspension of the primary election for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Guma 1 State Constituency. This decision came in the wake of widespread irregularities and security concerns during the delegate election, as lamented by the governor during a press briefing on Saturday.
The vacancy of the Guma 1 State Constituency seat in the State House of Assembly, following the resignation of Dr. Yamar Ortese, triggered the need for a primary election to select a candidate for the upcoming election to fill the vacant position next month.
An eyewitness account revealed that the primary election venue was rife with irregularities, prompting the intervention of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Paul Biam, who acted as the state’s official observer. His attempt to enforce transparency revealed a lack of national credentials of the APC officials designated to conduct the primary, as well as a conspicuous absence of election materials at the venue.
The situation escalated with the arrest of a young man suspected of facilitating the smuggling of electoral materials, adding to the confusion and anxiety pervading the event. Ultimately, contentious results were announced, with Peter Terwase Uche declared the winner with 25 votes against Maurice Orwough, who gathered three votes.
Responding decisively to the irregularities, Governor Alia justified the suspension, asserting, “The primary election was marred by misconduct, posing a threat to security in Guma. It has become imperative to soothe the concerns of the youth and party stakeholders. I will not allow our security efforts to be in vain.”
He emphasized, “I do not want any bloodshed, as people become sensational and sentimental about politics. The peace in the state must be safeguarded, and I have instructed security operatives to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order. The National Working Committee of our party must take action to ensure the right thing is done.”
The suspension of the APC primary election in Benue highlights the intense political dynamics and challenges faced by parties in ensuring transparent and orderly electoral processes. As the saga unfolds, the implications and ramifications of these events will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Benue and beyond.
