Hundreds of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kwande and Ushongo Local Government Areas of Benue State have staged a peaceful protest in Lessel, the headquarters of Ushongo LGA, demanding that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) respect the outcome of the House of Representatives primary election for the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency.

The protesters insisted that the alleged winner of the May 16 APC primary, Prof. Iornem Kohol, should be recognised as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election, rejecting reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms had allegedly been issued to the incumbent lawmaker, Rep. Terseer Ugbor.

Prof Kohol was said to have emerged winner of the primary after polling 40,672 votes to defeat five other aspirants, including Rep. Ugbor, who scored 750 votes.

The protest was led by APC members, including Comrade Ken Kaase, Aondolumun Ordorugh and Fidelis of Mbakuha, who urged the party leadership to protect the integrity of its primary election by respecting the mandate freely given by members.

The protesters described the reported development as a violation of the wishes of party members, insisting they did not vote for the incumbent during the primary election.

They warned that any attempt to disregard the outcome of the exercise would undermine the APC’s internal democracy and erode the confidence of members in the party’s electoral process.

They also argued that the House of Representatives seat should rotate to Ushongo, noting that Kwande had occupied the position for about 20 years, while Ushongo had not produced a representative in 16 years.

Responding, Adzu acknowledged their concerns and assured them that their grievances would be conveyed to Governor Hyacinth Alia.

He also expressed confidence that the candidate who emerged through the democratic process would ultimately be recognised. (Daily Trust News)