Benue ADC Gubernatorial Primary: Joseph Waya Sues Herman Hembe in Court.

A new legal dispute has arisen over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship primary in Benue State. Chief Joseph Waya has filed a case in the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legitimacy of Herman Hembe’s emergence as the party’s candidate.

Waya’s lawsuit seeks to nullify the primary that was reportedly held from 22 to 24 May 2026, with the results announced on 25 May 2026.

According to the court filings, Waya argues that the primary was not conducted by the party’s competent organ as required by the ADC Constitution. He claims the exercise was carried out by a structure whose congresses had been declared null by a court judgment on 29 April 2026.

Additionally, Waya questions Hembe’s eligibility, citing a three‑month suspension imposed by the Benue State Executive Committee of the ADC on 27 March 2026. The plaintiff states that, under Article 9(iii) of the party’s constitution, Hembe was therefore ineligible to be voted for at the time of the primary.

The suit contains the following excerpt: “On the date of the said primary, the 2nd Defendant was under a subsisting three (3) month suspension imposed by the State Executive Committee of the 1st Defendant on 27 March 2026 and was, by Article 9(iii) of the Constitution of the 1st Defendant, not eligible to be voted for.”

Waya also alleges that the primary violated party guidelines and that certain parts of the exercise were held outside the approved dates.

Prior to filing the case, Waya and fellow aspirant Peter Adejoh had separately petitioned the national leadership of the ADC, expressing concerns about the conduct of the primary and requesting a review of the outcome.

Both aspirants urged the party to form a new governorship electoral committee composed of individuals who are neither indigenous nor residents of Benue State, in order to ensure neutrality, transparency, and credibility in any future primary process.