APC primaries: Onjeh, Ottah, Alapa, others battle for senatorial ticket in Benue South

The race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket in Benue South has become intense ahead of the party’s primary election taking place, as leading aspirants continue to lobby members and mobilise support across the district. 

Leading the race are former APC senatorial candidate, Daniel Onjeh, former House of Representatives member, Francis Ottah Agbo; former lawmaker, Nelson Alapa; Joe Ojobo; Patrick Ojechema Idoko; and Oloche Agidani, all vying to emerge as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.

DAILY POST gathered that the contest, which has generated tension within the APC in Benue South, is also exposing growing cracks among stakeholders, party loyalists and influential political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Benue South Senatorial District, largely dominated by the Idoma Igede ethnic nationalities, remains one of the most politically sensitive zones in the state.

The APC is seeking a strong candidate capable of challenging the incumbent senator, Senator Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is eyeing a third term in office.

Since the return of democracy in 1999, the PDP has remained dominant in Benue South, with Senator David Mark representing the district for 20 years, while Senator Abba Moro is currently rounding off his second term in office. 

This development has heightened internal pressure within the APC, with stakeholders reportedly divided over who possesses the political strength, grassroots appeal, financial capacity and acceptability to capture the district for the ruling party.

Among the leading aspirants, Francis Ottah Agbo appears to have gained momentum within influential circles of the party.

Despite the growing momentum behind Ottah, supporters of former National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president, Daniel Onjeh, insist that he remains the strongest grassroots politician in the race. 

Onjeh, who flew the APC flag in the 2015, 2016 rerun and 2023 senatorial elections, still retains a loyal political structure across parts of Benue South.

Sources said Onjeh was initially believed to be the preferred aspirant of some influential figures within the party before the dynamics allegedly changed at the last minute.

The development reportedly triggered frustration within his camp.

Tensions escalated after reports emerged that some stakeholders outside Benue South allegedly participated in attempts to influence the choice of candidate for the zone.

The situation reportedly led to heated disagreements during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi.

Onjeh was later said to have stormed the residence of Governor Hyacinth Alia to seek clarification over the alleged endorsement of another aspirant by his pointman, Moses Ternenge, who is not from Benue South.

Shortly after the meeting, Onjeh issued a public statement, saying: “Relax, Benue South. I just left the Governor, and he vowed on his integrity that he never sent Moses Ternenge to endorse any candidate.”

The statement further fueled speculation about deepening divisions within the party ahead of the primaries.

However, Ottah in a post on Facebook claimed that all stakeholders of the party were behind him as the claim of external influence were misleading and untrue.

While much attention has focused on the rivalry between Ottah and Onjeh, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Nelson Alapa is also said to be quietly building support within strategic blocs of the APC.

Though less vocal publicly, party insiders told our report that Alapa enjoys support among some stakeholders who believe he represents a compromise option capable of uniting aggrieved factions after the primaries.

His supporters are reportedly banking on his legislative background, relationship with grassroots mobilisers and perceived neutrality in the ongoing power struggle within the party.

Apart from the leading contenders, other aspirants in the race include former Benue State House of Assembly lawmaker representing Ogbadibo, Joe Ojobo, oil magnate Patrick Ojechema Idoko and young politician Oloche Agidani.

Each of them is believed to command pockets of influence within different local government areas.

For now, tension remains high across the district as party members prepare to decide who eventually emerges as the APC standard bearer in one of the most closely watched senatorial contests in Benue State.