The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has announced the disqualification of over twenty aspirants from participating in the party’s primaries for the 2027 State House of Assembly elections. This decision was made public through a report from the State Assembly Screening Committee, which cited non-compliance with the party’s guidelines and constitution as the reason for the disqualifications. The screening panel, led by Dr. Auwalu Ishiye and supported by Secretary Barr. Tijani Abdullahi, published the names of those who did not meet the required standards.
Among the disqualified aspirants are Shio Keghnen Ephraim from Katsina-Ala East, Smith Enyi from Oju II, and Uhimbir T.T. from Makurdi South. Other notable exclusions include Isaac Aondohemba Kyan, Dugha Mark from Gboko East, Adikpe Ojoi from Oju I, Victor Johnson from Okpokwu, Iyua Samuel from Makurdi South, and Varvar Titus from Ukum. The list also features Ubii Abraham from Gboko West, Mannaseh Kwaghlu, Elias Odoba from Apa, Iorshase Barnabas from Gboko West, Nyitse James from Ukum, and Willaum Terhide from Buruku. Additional disqualified candidates include Adakole Sale from Agatu, Obor Onor, Odeh Aaron, and Tamenor Emmanuel from Oju II, as well as Kundan David, Iko Benjamin, and Richard Saidu from Buruku, Anyor Justice from Kwande West, and Andrew Tyonongo Mbagwa.
The committee’s report further identified Timothy Cherem Tiev, Akumbur Peter from Gboko West, Nyiongu Innocent from Makurdi North, Terkula David from Katsina-Ala West, and Sebastin Ugba from Gwer West as part of the disqualified group. This comprehensive list underscores the party’s strict enforcement of internal regulations as it prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle. Following the report’s release, the Benue State APC urged the affected aspirants to accept the outcomes of the screening process. Party officials emphasized the importance of unity as the organization gears up for the nationwide general elections scheduled for 2027.
In their statement, party leaders expressed confidence that all members would respect the Screening Committee’s decision and continue to collaborate for the party’s success. They called on members to focus on the upcoming primaries, highlighting that adherence to procedural standards is crucial for maintaining credibility and electoral competitiveness. The APC’s stance reflects a broader initiative among Nigerian political parties to strengthen internal democratic processes and mitigate legal challenges that have affected previous election cycles.
These disqualifications come as political parties intensify grassroots mobilization and candidate selection ahead of the next general elections. Observers note that the actions taken by the Benue APC may set a precedent for similar screening exercises in other states, where compliance with party constitutions is increasingly scrutinized. As the primaries approach, the remaining aspirants will compete for tickets in contested constituencies, while those excluded may seek legal recourse or explore alternative political avenues. The developments in Benue are poised to significantly impact the APC’s performance in the state, which is a critical battleground in Nigeria’s highly competitive legislative landscape.
Comments are closed for this story.