Benue Primaries: Enone APC Forum Wants Senate, Reps Aspirants Expelled from Party
The Enone APC Forum has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to expel two aspirants, Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo and Hon. Okoliko Aba, over alleged attempts to disrupt the party's House of Representatives primaries in Benue State. The group accused supporters of the two politicians of staging protests and creating tension at the voting venue in Okpoga, headquarters of Okpokwu Local Government Area.
Details of the Alleged Disruption
In a statement released on Saturday night, May 16, the forum's spokesperson, Engr. John Apochi, alleged that supporters carrying campaign materials and placards with inscriptions such as “No Okoliko, No Election” and “Alia Leave Enone Alone” gathered around the venue shortly before the direct primaries commenced. The APC had scheduled direct primaries for Saturday to select its House of Representatives candidates nationwide.
Forum Condemns Protest as Attempt to Embarrass Governor
Reacting to the incident, the Enone APC Forum described the protest as an attempt to disrupt the electoral process and embarrass Governor Hyacinth Alia, whom it regards as the party leader in the state. The forum also accused the supporters of creating an atmosphere of tension at the venue.
The statement read: “His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Leader of our dear party, the APC State Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, the National leadership and all critical stakeholders should not allow this effrontery to go unpunished.”
It added: “If they don't take an urgent step to discipline Hon. Okoliko Aba and Dr Francis Agbo, others would continue to borrow a leaf from this reckless style of politics, which is alien to us in Enone.”
The group further stated: “If anyone thinks he is popular, he should present himself for election. We will not tolerate politics of thuggery and hooliganism.”
Call for Tighter Security Ahead of Senatorial Primaries
The forum maintained that Hon. Okoliko Aba was not barred from participating in the primary election and described the protest as unnecessary. “The way supporters of Okoliko and Ottah Agbo caused serious tension today was uncalled for,” the statement said.
While reaffirming support for Governor Alia, the forum urged the state government and security agencies to ensure adequate security during the Benue South senatorial primaries scheduled for Monday, May 18, where Francis Ottah Agbo is expected to participate. As of the time of this report, the aspirants have not publicly responded to the allegations.
Background: APC House of Reps Primaries
Earlier, the APC successfully conducted its House of Representatives primaries across Nigeria, setting the stage for next year's general elections. The exercise, held on May 16, 2026, drew significant attention as both seasoned lawmakers and fresh aspirants competed for tickets to represent their constituencies. At the national level, prominent figures such as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa secured their tickets with relative ease.
