According to report by Vanguard on Sunday, May 17, 2026, supporters of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State, had a resounding success in Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries, sweeping the majority of the eleven federal constituencies in the state.
The result was devastating for Senator George Akume’s (the Federation’s Secretary to the Government) supporters, whose side lost badly.
Only two candidates associated with Akume’s political faction were declared successful, according to the results given by Alhaji Sabiu Mahuta, the Chairman of the APC National Assembly Election Committee for Benue State.
Among them are the spouses of the SGF and the daughter of former Senate President David Mark, Mrs. Blessing Onuh, and Mrs. Regina Akume. Senator Akume’s allies and incumbent lawmakers both suffered crushing defeats in the elections.
Among the noteworthy outcomes, the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency saw the loss of incumbent David Ogewu by former Information Commissioner Peter Egbodo.
David Nongo deposed Asema Achado in Gwer West/Gwer East, but Solomon Wombo held on to his seat in Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo. Livinus Tsar triumphed over Sesoo Gboko, the incumbent, in Vandeikya/Konshisha.
The Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo seat went to Anthony Agom, while the Apa/Agatu seat was held by Ojotu Ojema. In Kwande/Ushongo, Professor Kohol Iornem beat out incumbent Terso Ugbo, while in Makurdi/Guma, Christopher Ikper beat out Dickson Tarkighir. Gideon Inyom was equally successful in Buruku.
Mrs. Regina Akume easily defeated her nearest rival to secure the Gboko/Tarka ticket, and Blessing Onuh won the Otukpo/Ohimini primary with a resounding victory.
Mahuta explained that the committee decided to wait until Sunday to announce the results in order to spare returning officers the dangers of late-night travel.
He emphasised the need of party unity for the APC’s overall success and characterised the exercise as calm.
Some incumbents who were defeated in the primaries have reportedly disputed the results and are planning to contest them.