Protests Erupt in Kwande/Ushongo Over Alleged Substitution of APC Candidate, Kohol

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kwande and Ushongo Local Government Areas have staged a peaceful protest in Lessel, the headquarters of Ushongo LGA, demanding that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) respect the outcome of the House of Representatives primary election for the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency.

The protesters expressed dissatisfaction over reports that nomination documents for the 2027 general elections have been issued to the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Rep. Terseer Ugbor, despite the emergence of Prof. Kohol Iornem as the winner of the APC primary election held on May 16.

Prof. Kohol was declared winner of the primary after polling 40,672 votes to defeat five other aspirants, including Rep. Ugbor, who secured 750 votes.

Speaking during the protest, APC stakeholders including Ken Kaase, Hon. Aondolumun Ordorugh and Hon. Fidelis of Mbakuha, insisted that the party must uphold the outcome of the primary election and protect the integrity of its internal democratic processes.

They argued that disregarding the votes cast by party members would undermine democracy within the APC and erode confidence in the party’s leadership.

The protesters further maintained that the House of Representatives seat should rotate to Ushongo, noting that the constituency has not produced a federal lawmaker for about 16 years.

According to them, any attempt to impose a candidate contrary to the wishes of party members could breed discontent, weaken party unity and affect the APC’s chances in the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.

The demonstrators marched through major streets in Lessel before proceeding to the Ushongo Local Government Council Secretariat and the Chairman’s Lodge, where they presented their grievances to the council chairman, Hon. Terkimbir Adzu.

Responding, Adzu acknowledged their concerns and assured them that their message would be conveyed to Governor Hyacinth Alia and relevant party authorities, commending them for conducting themselves peacefully and maintaining order throughout the demonstration.

The protesters expressed confidence that the candidate who emerged through the party’s democratic process would eventually be recognised and urged the APC leadership to ensure that the mandate given by members during the primary election is respected.

Placards displayed during the protest bore inscriptions such as: “Give Us Back Our Mandate,” “Reps Seat Is for Ushongo,” “We Didn’t Vote Terseer Ugbor, We Voted Prof. Kohol,” “Tinubu, Save Our Democracy,” “We Can’t Vote for Someone Else and Another Is Announced,” and “Ushongo Deserves It This Time.”