Hundreds of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwande and Ushongo Local Government Areas of Benue State on Friday protested, urging the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to uphold the outcome of its House of Representatives primary election for the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency.
The protesters called on the party leadership to recognise Prof. Iornem Kohol as the duly elected APC candidate for the 2027 general election, insisting he won the May 16 primary with 40,672 votes, while the incumbent lawmaker, Rep. Terseer Ugbor, secured 750 votes.
The demonstrators alleged that there were attempts to substitute Kohol’s nomination with that of Ugbor through documents reportedly submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They warned that any move to alter the primary outcome would undermine internal democracy and erode members’ confidence in the party.
Led by party members including Comrade Ken Kaase and Aondolumun Ordorugh, the protesters also argued that the House of Representatives seat should rotate to Ushongo Local Government Area, noting that Kwande had occupied the position for about 20 years while Ushongo had not produced a representative in 16 years.
Receiving the protesters, APC chieftain Adzu assured them that their grievances would be conveyed to Governor Hyacinth Alia, expressing confidence that the party would ultimately recognise the legitimate winner of the primary election.
