Tension is escalating in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State following the collapse of a proposed consensus arrangement for the All Progressives Congress (APC) State House of Assembly ticket.
A group of aggrieved aspirants including Japhet Igbogo, Ephraim Kunde, Timothy Anawambe, Wueseter Iorbee, Gabriel Nyam, and others have openly rejected the process, insisting on a fair, transparent, and democratic primary election.
The aspirants have collectively appealed to Senator Barnabas Gemade to urgently intervene, emphasizing that the assembly seat is zoned to his ward and that his leadership remains critical in restoring trust and credibility within the party.
According to the dissatisfied contenders, any attempt to impose a candidate through consensus undermines internal democracy and risks alienating grassroots supporters. They maintained that all aspirants must be given an equal opportunity to test their popularity through a credible primary.
The controversy centers around a failed consensus arrangement allegedly influenced by Chief Theophilus Adzaagee, which produced Hon. Terna Takerada. The aspirants argue that the process lacks legitimacy and does not reflect the will of the Mbawar people.
They further alleged that external forces attempted to manipulate the outcome for personal gain, sidelining key stakeholders in the constituency. Reaffirming their stance, the aspirants insisted that the seat rightfully belongs to Mbawar and warned against any backdoor arrangements.
In a measured but firm tone, the group cautioned that denying aspirants a level playing field could deepen internal divisions and weaken the APC’s chances in the forthcoming elections.
They stressed that failure to address the issue promptly could lead to avoidable political setbacks in Konshisha, ultimately hurting the party’s electoral prospects.
To prevent further crisis, the aspirants called on party leadership and relevant stakeholders to act swiftly by ensuring a transparent primary election, guaranteeing equal opportunity for all contestants, and prioritizing the emergence of a widely accepted candidate with strong grassroots support.
They also urged leaders to place the collective interest of the APC and the Mbawar people above personal ambitions and group interests.