APC senatorial primaries in Benue rocked by allegations of materials diversion, process manipulation

By Johnson Arua

Fresh controversy erupted over the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial primaries in Benue State following allegations that electoral materials meant for the exercise were allegedly diverted and handed to political loyalists of former Governor Gabriel Suswam who also a contestant.

Sources within the party alleged that electoral materials designated for the Benue North East (Zone A) Senatorial District were released to aides of the former Governor sparking concerns among party faithful over the credibility of the process.

The sources further claimed that Returning Officers assigned to oversee the primaries in Zone A were “cronies and supporters” of the former governor, raising fears of possible compromise in the conduct of the exercise.

In a related development, materials meant for Guma and Makurdi Local Government Areas were also allegedly diverted to a private residence located in the New GRA area of Makurdi.

According to party insiders, the materials allegedly discovered at the location were mainly voters’ registers, while no result sheets were reportedly found.

The allegations have heightened tension within the ruling party in the state as stakeholders expressed fears that the action undermined the integrity of the primaries.

A party source who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that unscrupulous elements hijacked materials intended for the conduct of the senatorial primaries in the state.

“Credible intelligence that reached indicated that plans were hatched by some unscrupulous elements to hijack electoral materials meant for the conduct of senatorial primaries in Benue State,” the source stated.

The source linked the alleged plot to what was described as growing dissatisfaction among party members over the emergence of candidates allegedly backed by the state government.

“This came against the backdrop of outright rejection and imminent defeat of unpopular candidates tipped by the state government against the wishes of the vast majority of party members at the grassroots,” the source added.

Concerned stakeholders within the APC have now called on the national leadership of the party to ensure transparency and fairness in the matter.

“We hereby call on the leadership of our great party, the APC, at all levels, to rise above board and ensure that the democratic process is not scuttled,” the stakeholders said.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the APC leadership in Benue State nor aides of Senator Gabriel Suswam had officially reacted to the allegations.