Tensions are rising within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a public dispute over the alleged endorsement of former lawmaker Francis Ottah Agbo as the party’s preferred candidate for the Benue South Senatorial District. The controversy erupted after Senatorial aspirant Daniel Onyirofie Onjeh rejected what he described as undue interference by Prince Moses Ternenge, a political ally of Governor Hyacinth Alia, in the internal affairs of Benue South, which falls under Zone C. The APC is currently conducting its senatorial primaries nationwide, with Benue South among the key districts expected to produce candidates for the upcoming elections.
Reports surfaced on Saturday night that Prince Moses Ternenge, a prominent figure from Benue North East Senatorial District (Zone A), had thrown his support behind Ottah Agbo, positioning him as the party’s preferred candidate for the Benue South ticket. Ottah Agbo, a former member of the House of Representatives, defected to the APC after losing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination in 2022. His move to the APC created an opening for Philip Agbese to emerge as a candidate under the party before Agbese later switched to the Labour Party.
In response, Onjeh released a video on his Facebook page condemning Ternenge’s involvement, emphasizing that Benue South has its own pool of qualified and capable individuals who should determine the political direction of the zone without external influence. “Prince Moses Ternenge, a Tiv man from Benue North East, Zone A, cannot impose a senatorial candidate on Benue South, Zone C, with its array of professors and academic doctors,” Onjeh stated. He stressed that the people of Benue South should not be dictated to by leaders from other senatorial districts.
Onjeh also criticized an unnamed aspirant, whom he accused of defecting from the PDP to the APC without bringing any political structure or grassroots support. “Even more ridiculous is the claim by some aspirants that somebody is the anointed candidate,” he said. “The person came solely to APC without a single follower from his former party, PDP, and hopes to reap where he did not sow.” He argued that political credibility and long-standing grassroots networks should not be ignored in the race for the senatorial ticket.
The APC chieftain further warned against attempts to exploit the party’s platform without contributing to its foundation. “You cannot come and rest on the followership that others have built over the years to run the senatorial race,” he added. The dispute highlights growing factionalism within the APC in Benue State as the party prepares for critical primaries that will shape its electoral fortunes in 2027. The outcome of this internal battle could influence voter turnout and party unity in one of Nigeria’s politically sensitive regions.
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