2027: APC primaries most peaceful in Benue History, reflect people’s aspirations- Ojema Ojotu

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ojema Ojotu has adjudged the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Benue State as most peaceful in the history of Benue politics.

Ojotu made the observation when he spoke to newsmen at the APC Secretariat in Makurdi on Saturday saying the outcomes reflects the wishes of party members.

The Representative member who is also seeking re-election in the 2027 general elections, said the conduct of the exercises across the state marked a significant departure from the violence often associated with party primaries in Nigeria.

He observed that the process began last week with the House of Representatives primaries, followed by Senate, House of Assembly and governorship elections before culminating in the presidential primary.

He said despite the quantum of the exercise, there was no reports of violence, ballot snatching or destruction of property all through the elections.

“In the history of primary elections, this is the first time an election of this magnitude will be conducted in this state without hearing that somebody’s head was broken. We are not even talking about death.

“Everywhere is quite peaceful. People are going about very happy and the happiness and the excitement you are seeing on the faces of the people is a clear indication that the outcome of the elections is exactly the desire, the aspiration, and the yearnings of the people.”

The lawmaker said the peaceful atmosphere and excitement among party supporters showed that the outcomes of the elections aligned with their desires and aspirations.

Ojotu maintained that the APC remained a dominant political force in Benue State, stressing that securing the party’s ticket already placed candidates close to victory in the general election.

He compared the APC primaries with that of the opposition parties in the state which he said were crises ridden, and marked by incidents of ballot snatching and disruption in their internal processes.

He commended the leadership of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for ensuring smooth party administration and peaceful conduct of the primaries.

The federal lawmaker further expressed confidence in his own political strength, saying the turnout and support he received in his constituency during the primaries is a testimony that during the main election, the entire communities under Apa/Agatu will also troop out en masse to repeat what they have done.

Speaking on the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ojotu dismissed suggestions that the party could pose a threat to APC and his ambition in the 2027 elections, citing internal divisions within the opposition PDP.

He recalled that he was formerly elected on the platform of the PDP before defecting to the APC due to unresolved issues within the party saying many PDP structures in his constituency moved with him to the APC, strengthening the ruling party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said “When I left PDP, I left with all the structures of the PDP in my Constituency. So when you put that force and join the force of the APC, as the ruling party on ground, I don’t see how anybody can withstand that.”