The 2023 General Elections in Benue South have sparked controversy within the All Progressives Congress (APC), as Senatorial candidate Daniel Onjeh has filed a petition against the state chairman, Austin Agada, accusing him of anti-party activities. In a letter addressed to the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, Onjeh claimed that Agada and his supporters rigged the senatorial election in favor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Onjeh emphasized that the alleged anti-party activities led to the APC’s defeat in the senatorial and presidential elections in the zone. He expressed disbelief in the party’s loss in the polls, especially since the APC won three out of the four House of Representatives seats in the same district. Onjeh pointed out the unprecedented nature of the election outcome, stating that it was unlike any previous election in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Onjeh accused Agada of sourcing funds from prominent APC members to support opposition candidates. He provided evidence in the form of alleged financial transactions, claiming that Agada made substantial cash contributions to the campaign of an opposition candidate who emerged as the winner of the elections. Onjeh cited specific instances where Agada reportedly transferred significant sums of money to the said opposition candidate, followed by instructions to transfer the funds to the candidate’s bank account.
In response to Onjeh’s allegations, Austin Agada expressed bewilderment, stating that he was unaware of the reasons behind the accusations. He refrained from engaging in a public dispute with Onjeh, expressing his lack of comprehension regarding the situation.
The unfolding events in Benue South illuminate the internal struggles and allegations of impropriety within the APC, posing challenges for the party’s cohesion and unity as it prepares for the upcoming elections. The seriousness of Onjeh’s allegations and the potential ramifications for the APC underscore the significance of addressing internal conflicts and maintaining party discipline. The outcome of the party’s internal investigations and the responses from Ganduje and Agada are eagerly anticipated, as they will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the APC in Benue South and beyond.
