Benue: APC Primary Seems Predetermined, Aspirant Williams Obande Withdraws

Williams Obande Obeya, the All Progressives Congress candidate for the House of Representatives seat covering Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, withdrew from the race a few hours before the party primaries were to take place.

He announced his decision in a statement issued Friday night, saying it came after extensive consultations, deep personal reflection, and prayer.

Although he had initially declared his candidacy in Ogbadibo, he ultimately chose not to contest Saturday’s primary after additional discussions with colleagues and family.

He said the process had brought him closer to the people of Enone and reinforced his desire to serve the area.

He also noted that the pursuit had taken time that could have been spent with his wife and children.

He suggested that the primary seemed to have been decided in advance, claiming the result was already predetermined.

Despite these concerns, he said he was withdrawing peacefully and without resentment.

“I am stepping aside with my dignity intact because I know I entered this race with sincerity, love, and a genuine desire to serve Enone,” he stated.

He thanked supporters, political allies, friends and family for their encouragement and steadfast support during the campaign.

He urged them to respect his decision, saying it was made for the benefit of his family, his personal peace and his integrity.

He added that his withdrawal does not end his commitment to Enone’s political and developmental future.

He said he will continue to play an active role in shaping the constituency’s leadership before the general election.

He believes God may be redirecting him to another form of service for the people.

My dear and beloved people of Enone, after deep reflection, sincere prayers, and wide consultations, I have come to a difficult but clear decision. I hereby withdraw unconditionally from the race for the House of Representatives and also state that I will not be participating in the party primaries scheduled for tomorrow. Even as I was doing my declaration in Ogbadibo today, this decision was not yet made; it came only after further reflection, prayers, and consultations afterwards. This journey has been deeply emotional and enlightening, bringing me closer to our people and strengthening my desire to serve. However, I have also come to realize that this ambition has taken precious time from me and my precious family, my beloved wife, and my lovely children, time I can never recover. As the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven,” and in Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” It is also important for me to speak honestly: tomorrow’s primary, as widely understood, appears to be a predetermined process, but I will walk away with my head held high, knowing I came with sincerity, love, and genuine commitment to Enone. I do not withdraw in bitterness, but in wisdom, obedience, and to preserve my dignity and peace of mind. I thank all my supporters, friends, and family for standing with me, believing in me, and walking this journey with me. I know this decision may come as a shock or disappointment to some of you, but I ask that you trust me, I have made it in my best interest, for my family, and for the preservation of my dignity. I remain committed to the progress, unity