APC Benue Assembly aspirants reinstated as appeal committee clears 11 candidates for primaries after reviewing 50 petitions in Benue State
The Appeal Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State approved the reinstatement of 11 aspirants to the House of Assembly primary race on Friday, 15 May 2026.
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This administrative reversal followed a comprehensive review of 50 petitions filed by individuals who were initially disqualified during the party’s preliminary screening exercise in Makurdi.
Abubakar Lawal chaired the three-member panel that delivered the verdict, supported by Secretary Ade Adetimehin and member Ahmed Murtala.
The authoritative decision allows the 11 cleared candidates to join the 98 others who had previously scaled the screening process, bringing the total number of eligible contenders for the state legislative tickets to 109.
James Ornguga, the APC State Organising Secretary, confirmed the development in a formal briefing, noting that the committee examined written petitions and oral submissions before finalising the list.
While the APC Benue Assembly aspirants reinstated outcome provides a second chance for some, 39 other petitioners saw their disqualifications upheld for failing to meet constitutional requirements or party guidelines.
The list of those successfully cleared includes several notable figures who had earlier faced exclusion, such as Wisdom Dominic for Otukpo/Ohimini and Dr Ukan Emmanuel for Gwer East.
Other candidates restored to the ballot include Ndiisaa Terhemen of Logo, Ologbo Edwin representing Oju II, John Ogbu for Oju I, Patrick Ogwuche for Okpokwu, and Ezekiel Elaigwu of Agatu.
Political stakeholders in the state have observed that the screening process has highlighted internal fissures within the party.
Daniel Ihomun, a prominent supporter of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, claimed that every aspirant aligned with his political bloc had successfully passed the scrutiny, suggesting a strong showing for the veteran politician’s allies.
APC reverses disqualification of Benue assembly aspirants ruling is expected to heighten the intensity of the upcoming primaries as the party seeks to solidify its structure ahead of the general elections.
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Party sources indicate that several incumbent lawmakers are among the larger pool of candidates now cleared to defend their seats in what is projected to be a highly competitive internal contest.
