Agom Anthony has been declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag‑bearer for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency following the party’s primary election. The result, announced after voting and collation by party officials, gave Anthony 19,124 votes, comfortably ahead of his rivals.
The other candidates’ totals were: Innocent Ikwumonu 884 votes, Patience Ene Akor 853 votes, Abah Okoriko 815 votes, John Mary Idoko 599 votes and Fred Apoch 438 votes. With the official certification of the tally, Anthony will represent the APC in the forthcoming House of Representatives contest for the constituency.
Addressing delegates and supporters after the announcement, Anthony thanked party stakeholders for their confidence and pledged inclusive leadership and effective representation. He assured constituents that his tenure would focus on the development of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo, emphasizing continuity in service delivery and community empowerment.
The primary, however, was not without dissent. Abah Okoriko publicly rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities in the voting process. No formal complaint has yet been lodged with the party’s national electoral committee, and the APC has affirmed that the exercise was conducted in accordance with its guidelines.
The selection of Anthony sets the stage for the next parliamentary cycle, where the APC will seek to retain or expand its presence in Benue State. Observers note that intra‑party dynamics and the handling of the reported grievances could influence voter sentiment ahead of the general election. The party’s ability to present a united front will be pivotal as campaigns intensify across the region.
