Akume’s wife among 82 aspirants in Benue APC Rep primaries

The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted a highly competitive House of Representatives primary on Saturday, with 82 candidates vying for the party’s nomination.

An early Saturday list showed that the Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency attracted 14 aspirants, ranking it among the most contested seats in the state. The area is associated with Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency saw seven candidates competing for the APC nomination. This constituency is the base of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and includes his wife, Regina Akume, among the contenders.

In the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, Blessing Onuh is one of four aspirants for the APC ticket. Onuh is the daughter of former Senate President David Mark, who is now affiliated with the African Democratic Congress.

As the primaries began, party members and aspirants convened at the APC secretariat in Makurdi.

The exercise occurs amid renewed attempts by APC stakeholders to settle internal disputes tied to factions linked to Governor Alia and Akume, following months of factional tension in the party.