By Felix Umande, Makurdi

Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, one of the aspirants in the Benue State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primary, has asked the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, to declare him the valid winner of the exercise held on May 21, 2026.

In a statement on Saturday, Kuraun said he was the only cleared aspirant who fully complied with the party’s preparatory requirements for the primary. He argued that this placed him in a position to be recognized as the winner.

According to him, he was the sole aspirant who submitted a comprehensive list of local government and ward agents to the Governorship Election Committee, with the submission acknowledged at the APC State Secretariat in Makurdi. He added that neither the incumbent governor nor any other cleared aspirant submitted the required agent lists.

Kuraun also said his agents were fully mobilized and present across wards and local government areas on the scheduled date, while election materials were verified at the state secretariat by his representative, Dr. Samuel Tondo, in the presence of the governor’s representative. He alleged, however, that the materials were never distributed to the field.

“I am willing and prepared to provide pictorial and video evidence to substantiate these claims and demonstrate the level of preparation and compliance undertaken by my team ahead of the scheduled primary election,” he stated.

In view of the above, Kuraun urged the NWC to declare him the winner of the Benue APC governorship primary.

Alternatively, he said the party should conduct a fresh primary under an independent committee constituted and supervised directly by the NWC to determine the true choice of party members.

By Philip Nyam

One-time House of Representatives spokesperson, Hon Zakari Mohammed has emerged the gubernatorial candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Kwara state in the 2027 general elections.

Mohammed a frontline politician emerged as a consensus candidate of the party.

In a message gratitude to party chieftains and party loyalists, Mohammed thanked them all for the massive support he enjoyed during the primary.

He said:”The overwhelming confidence reposed in me by our national leadership, state leaders, stakeholders, and the teeming members of the African Democratic Congress across Kwara state, in adopting me as the consensus governorship candidate of our great party, is deeply humbling and profoundly appreciated.

“I sincerely thank every leader and member of the party for this rare demonstration of trust, unity, and commitment to the collective aspiration of building a better Kwara state anchored on justice, competence, accountability, and people-oriented governance.

“I particularly commend my colleagues within the Kwara leadership structure of the party for their patriotism, maturity, dedication, and genuine love for Kwara State in arriving at this historic consensus.

“Their sacrifices and determination to place the interest of the people above personal ambition have once again shown that ADC remains a party driven by democratic ideals, inclusiveness, and service to humanity.

“I accept this enormous responsibility with utmost humility and a deep sense of duty. I wish to assure all party members and the good people of Kwara state that I shall not betray the confidence bestowed upon me. By the grace of God, and with the collective support of our people, victory is certain.

“I call on all Kwarans and Nigerians who desire genuine change to massively support and vote for all ADC candidates from top to bottom in the forthcoming elections.

“The current economic hardship, suffering, and hopelessness imposed on Nigerians under the administration of the All Progressives Congress can only be reversed through purposeful leadership and people-centered governance.

“Our party stands firmly against godfatherism, political intimidation, and imposed leadership. In ADC, the people remain the center of our democratic process.

“Our members, supporters, and voters are our greatest strength and the premium focus of our attention, as clearly enshrined in democratic principles.

“Together, we shall rescue Kwara state and contribute meaningfully to the rebuilding of Nigeria”.

—Dr Anyam vows hoisting SDP flag in NASS

By Son Tertsea, Abuja

For its choice of candidates for the 2007 general elections, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has settled for consensus primary in Benue State.

Consequently, the party affirmed candidates for various constituencies through a consensus arrangement.

Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Electoral Committee and Returning Officer for Benue State, Mrs Rosemary Asuquo Effiong, requested for orderliness during the exercise, stressing that the party was committed to a peaceful and seamless process.

The consensus option, according to her, was due largely to the fact that all the constituencies submitted single aspirants for the various positions, which voided competitive voting.

Asuquo highlighted that SDP operated differently from other political parties by abiding by fairness, discipline, and internal harmony to avoid disputes after the primaries.

She reminded aspirants to uphold the ideals of justice, fairness, dignity, and commitment to the welfare of the people if elected into office. She further urged them to abide by all their promises during the screening process.

“As you go, remember what you said at the screening. You promised you are going to work for the people. Let your work be for the people.”

The party adopted the process whereby aspirants earlier screened and cleared were individually affirmed as candidates through motions and secondments.

Speaking during the event, leader of SDP in Benue State, Prof. Sebastine Hon SAN said:

“Our party is rancour-free. It’s devoid of skirmishes. Our motto is progress. We have filled all the positions for House of Assembly and National Assembly.

“Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu flew on the SDP ticket. He remains one of the best our state has produced. SDP is the party for Benue State. It’s the people’s party. A vote for SDP is for progress and development.”

Chairman of Benue State SDP, Engr. Idoko Itodo, congratulated the candidates and urged them to remain committed to serving the people.

Hon. Dr Ngutor Anyam, who emerged Senatorial candidate for Benue North East Senatorial District, speaking on behalf of the other Senatorial candidates, appreciated the party leadership for providing them the platform to contest under the SDP. He also thanked party members for their support and confidence in their aspirations.

Hon. Lawrence Vihimga, who spoke for the House of Representatives candidates, thanked God and the party for the opportunity.

The primary, witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agents, and party executives was peaceful and successful.

Meanwhile, SDP Senatorial candidate for Benue North East zone, Hon. Dr Ngutor Anyam, has vowed to ensure that his party’s flag is hoisted in the national assembly, courtesy of his success at the polls.

The candidate said this after his affirmation as SDP’s candidate in a consensus process that was rancour free and peaceful.

As one of the 50 candidates that SDP screened, cleared and affirmed, he assured that the party would make an impact in the Benue 2027 elections.