Gov Alia orders suspension of APC primary election

The governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued an order postponing the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Guma 1 State Constituency forthwith.

The governor, who gave the decision while briefing reporters on the primary’s proceedings on Saturday, expressed regret that the delegate election was marred by insecurity and irregularities.

Dr. Yamar Ortese, who was appointed a commissioner, resigned from the Guma 1 State Constituency position in the State House of Assembly.

The primary election is to select the candidate for the upcoming election to fill the vacant office, which is slated to take place next month.

An eyewitness had told journalists that the principal location was marred by anomalies.

The development aroused the notice of the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Paul Biam, who served as the state official observer during the primary election.

“The situation caused confusion and anxiety as a young man allegedly suspected to have aided the smuggling of electoral materials was arrested by security personnel for interrogation.

“At the end of the day, Peter Terwase Uche was announced to have scored 25 votes against Maurice Orwough, who polled three votes,” an eyewitness who did not want his name in print said.

Following the irregularities that marred the conduct of the primary, Alia ordered the suspension.

The governor said,

“This day, the APC is to conduct primary, but it was marred by misconduct, and this poses insecurity in Guma. It became imperative to calm the youth and party stakeholders who felt disenchanted. I would not want the effort of our security to go to waste. We do not want any semblance of insecurity in the state.

“I suspend the delegate primary election. Sad enough, the party faithful came out but were stopped at the gate by people who did not belong to the local government; all stakeholders were locked out and youths became angry, party faithful must help keep the peace in the state.

“I do not want any bloodshed as people get sensational and sentimental about politics. I have asked the security operatives to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order. I know that the National Working Committee of our party will do all to ensure that the right thing is done.”

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