The All Progressives Congress (APC) has altered the political landscape in Benue State following the review of its National Assembly primary elections, with former Governor of the state, Senator Gabriel Suswam, and several other prominent aspirants losing their tickets after the party’s appeal process.
The changes, which affected candidates earlier announced after the APC primaries conducted in May, were contained in the party’s final list of candidates submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The review followed recommendations by the APC Primary Election Appeal Committee.
Suswam, who served as Benue State governor from 2007 to 2015, had secured the APC senatorial ticket for Benue North-East. However, the party’s appeal committee overturned the earlier outcome, replacing him with another candidate. The development has triggered fresh political calculations within the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The shake-up also affected other senatorial and House of Representatives candidates in Benue, reshaping the balance of power among major political blocs in the state. The changes are expected to influence the contest between supporters of Governor Hyacinth Alia and those aligned with Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The APC appeal process was established to address complaints arising from the party’s primary elections, including disputes over procedures, outcomes and other concerns raised by aspirants. Following the review, some previously declared winners were replaced by new nominees.
Beyond Benue, the APC primaries across the country have produced significant surprises, with several serving lawmakers losing their bids to return to the National Assembly. Reports indicate that dozens of incumbent legislators failed to secure return tickets during the party’s legislative primaries.
Among those affected nationally were senior lawmakers, including House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, who lost his bid to represent Owan Federal Constituency of Edo State, alongside other serving members from states such as Imo, Kwara, Kebbi and Jigawa.
Political observers say the outcomes reflect growing internal competition within the ruling party, as new aspirants challenge established politicians for legislative positions ahead of the next election cycle. The results also highlight the influence of party structures, local political alliances and delegate decisions in determining candidates.
With the submission of final candidate lists to INEC, affected aspirants and their supporters now face the task of either accepting the party’s decisions or exploring available legal and political options ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest developments underscore a major restructuring within the APC, as the party prepares for another electoral battle while managing internal contests among its political heavyweights.
