Intense APC Ticket Battle for Benue South Senate Seat intensifies as aspirants battle for senatorial ticket, exposing internal rifts ahead of 2027 elections
The race for the All Progressives Congress senatorial ticket in Benue South, Nigeria, has intensified on Monday, 18 May 2026, as leading aspirants escalate lobbying efforts and political mobilisation ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary election, amid growing tensions within the APC Benue South Ticket Race.
Also read: Onjeh Dismisses Moro, Affirms Support for Governor Alia
Former APC senatorial candidate Daniel Onjeh, former House of Representatives member Francis Ottah Agbo, ex-lawmaker Nelson Alapa, Joe Ojobo, Patrick Ojechema Idoko, and Oloche Agidani are all actively competing for the party’s nomination for the 2027 general election, as internal alignments continue to shift across the district.
The contest has reportedly deepened political strain within the APC in Benue South, exposing emerging divisions among party stakeholders, loyalists and influential blocs, with concerns mounting over unity ahead of the decisive primaries.
Benue South Senatorial District, predominantly made up of the Idoma and Igede ethnic nationalities, remains a politically sensitive region in Benue State, where electoral competition has historically been intense and closely contested.
Political observers note that the APC is seeking a formidable candidate capable of challenging the incumbent senator, Senator Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party, who is expected to pursue a third term bid.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, the PDP has maintained strong dominance in the district, with Senator David Mark serving for two decades before Senator Abba Moro’s current tenure, further increasing pressure on the APC to present a highly competitive candidate.
This historical backdrop has heightened internal anxiety within the APC Benue South Ticket Race, with stakeholders divided over which aspirant possesses the political structure, grassroots appeal, financial strength and cross-community acceptance needed to unseat the incumbent.
Among the leading contenders, Francis Ottah Agbo is reported to be gaining momentum within influential party circles, with supporters pointing to growing endorsements and widening political backing across key blocs.
However, supporters of Daniel Onjeh, a former National Association of Nigerian Students president, insist he remains the most rooted grassroots politician in the contest, citing his repeated senatorial bids in 2015, the 2016 rerun, and 2023 elections as evidence of enduring political strength.
Onjeh’s camp maintains that he retains a loyal political structure across parts of Benue South, even as reports suggest that early expectations of support from certain influential figures within the APC may have shifted, further fuelling tensions within the APC Benue South Ticket Race.
The situation reportedly escalated following claims of external influence in candidate endorsement processes, triggering heated disagreements during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi and deepening mistrust among factions.
Daniel Onjeh was later reported to have visited Governor Hyacinth Alia to seek clarification over alleged endorsement activities linked to a political associate, Moses Ternenge, who is not from Benue South.
Following the meeting, Daniel Onjeh publicly stated, “Relax, Benue South. I just left the Governor, and he vowed on his integrity that he never sent Moses Ternenge to endorse any candidate,” a comment that further intensified political speculation within the APC Benue South Ticket Race.
In response, Francis Ottah Agbo maintained in a Facebook post that he enjoys the backing of party stakeholders, dismissing suggestions of external interference as misleading and untrue.
While attention has largely focused on the rivalry between Francis Ottah Agbo and Daniel Onjeh, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Nelson Alapa, is also quietly consolidating support within strategic APC blocs, according to party insiders.
Nelson Alapa is seen by some stakeholders as a potential compromise candidate capable of bridging internal divisions after the primaries, with supporters highlighting his legislative experience and perceived neutrality within the ongoing contest.
Other aspirants, including Joe Ojobo, Patrick Ojechema Idoko and Oloche Agidani, continue to maintain localised influence across different local government areas, further adding complexity to the APC Benue South Ticket Race.
Also read: Onjeh Dismisses Moro, Affirms Support for Governor Alia
As preparations for the primaries continue, political tension remains high across Benue South, with party members closely watching how alliances form and shift in one of the most closely contested senatorial races ahead of the 2027 elections.
