APC Primaries in Taraba and Benue Hit Setbacks as Consensus Fails and Appeals Cleared

In Taraba State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus arrangement collapsed after aspirants in several constituencies refused to withdraw, forcing the party to move toward direct primaries for National and State Assembly seats. Party officials, including State Publicity Secretary Aaron Artimas and Chairman Abubakar Bawa, said a reconstituted committee would continue negotiations, but aspirants in Takum, Donga, Ussa, Kurmi, Nguroje and Wukari insisted on competing openly. Former lawmaker Tukur El‑Sudi and Southern Zone Consensus Committee chair Dr. Philip Duwe noted concerns that the process favored certain candidates and highlighted the financial stakes for aspirants.

In Benue State, the APC appeal committee cleared 11 of 50 aspirants who had been disqualified from the House of Assembly primary race. The panel, led by Abubakar Lawal and announced by State Organising Secretary James Ornguga, reviewed written petitions and oral evidence before reinstating the 11 candidates, while upholding the disqualifications of the remaining 39 for non‑compliance with party guidelines. The decisions are part of the party’s preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections.