Akume Loyalists Replace Alia Camp Candidates on Final INEC List
A fresh power struggle has rocked the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after loyalists of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, secured the party’s final senatorial and House of Representatives tickets submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), replacing candidates earlier declared winners from Governor Hyacinth Alia’s camp.
Findings indicate that several aspirants aligned with Governor Alia, who were initially announced as winners during the APC primary elections in Makurdi, were dropped from the final list sent to INEC. Instead, serving National Assembly members loyal to Akume emerged as the party’s official candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Among those who retained their tickets are Senators Titus Zam (Benue North-West) and Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East). Also returned are House of Representatives members Terseer Ugbor (Kwande/Ushongo), Dickson Tarkighir (Makurdi/Guma), Asema Achado (Gwer East/Gwer West), Sesoo Ikpagher (Vandeikya/Konshisha), Regina Akume (Gboko/Tarka), and Sekav Iortyom (Buruku), among others.
The latest development comes despite a reconciliation meeting held on May 3, 2026, between Governor Alia and Senator Akume, during which both leaders pledged to resolve internal differences ahead of the APC primaries and the 2027 elections.
Sources said Akume had pushed for automatic tickets for incumbent federal lawmakers, while Governor Alia insisted that all aspirants should contest through the party’s direct primary process.
Political observers believe the outcome highlights the failure of the reconciliation efforts, with the rivalry between both camps continuing to shape the party’s internal politics and candidate selection.
Confirming his emergence as the APC’s candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District, Senator Titus Zam said the party’s National Primary Election Appeals Committee upheld his petition and overturned the result earlier announced in Makurdi.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Zam said he won the June 18 primary election but alleged that fake results were later announced after election materials were diverted.
According to him, he presented authentic results backed by digital and manual records to the party’s National Appeal Committee, which ruled in his favour and declared him the duly elected APC flag bearer.
Zam said the party had commenced the necessary processes to formalise his candidacy with the relevant electoral authorities. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, SGF George Akume, and the people of Benue North-West for ensuring what he described as justice prevailed.
He appealed to his supporters across the seven local government areas of the district to remain peaceful and united.
Similarly, the media aide to Senator Emmanuel Udende, Jerry Iorngaem, confirmed that the Benue North-East lawmaker had completed and submitted his INEC nomination forms.
“It is not time for celebration because we are one big Benue APC family,” Iorngaem said.
Also speaking, the member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, confirmed that the APC Appeals Committee upheld his petition against what he described as irregularities in the primary election, clearing the way for his return as the party’s candidate.
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