Former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and member representing Gboko West Constituency, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the State House of Assembly seat, citing widespread allegations of manipulation and lack of transparency in the party’s electoral process across the state. The announcement, made through a statement signed by his media aide, Agber Kulugh, comes amid growing concerns over the credibility of ongoing APC primaries in Benue State. Dajoh’s decision reflects growing unease among political figures and party members about the fairness and integrity of the primary elections.
The statement highlighted troubling reports from various local government areas where primaries had already taken place. According to Dajoh’s team, result sheets were allegedly completed before voting even began in some locations. In other areas, election materials reportedly failed to reach designated polling centres, yet winners were already being announced. These irregularities, the statement argued, point to a systemic breakdown in the party’s internal democratic processes. Dajoh emphasized that participating in such a compromised election would amount to legitimizing a process he believes lacks credibility and fairness.
Dajoh, who served as Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, expressed deep gratitude to his supporters, delegates, stakeholders, youths, women, and party members across Gboko West Constituency and Gboko Local Government Area. He acknowledged their unwavering confidence in his leadership and leadership capabilities. Despite his withdrawal, he urged his supporters and political associates to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, while awaiting further instructions from his camp. The move is seen as a significant development in the state’s political landscape, especially as APC primaries continue to unfold.
The withdrawal has sparked discussions among political observers and party members about the state of internal democracy within the APC in Benue. While some view Dajoh’s action as a principled stand against electoral malpractice, others see it as a strategic move that could influence the outcome of the primaries in Gboko West. At the time of filing this report, APC state leadership had not issued any official response to the allegations raised in Dajoh’s statement. The party’s national and state executives are yet to comment on the matter or confirm whether investigations would be launched into the claims.
As the APC primaries continue across Benue State, Dajoh’s withdrawal underscores the growing demand for transparency and fairness in party elections. His decision may prompt other aspirants and stakeholders to reevaluate their participation if similar irregularities are reported. The situation remains fluid, and the political future of Gboko West Constituency within the APC is now uncertain. The coming days will reveal how the party responds to these allegations and whether steps will be taken to restore confidence in its internal processes.
Leave a Comment