APC Crisis Deepens in Benue Over Zoning, Consensus Arrangements
By Our Correspondent In Correspondent
Fresh tension is mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State as stakeholders raise serious concerns over what they describe as faulty zoning arrangements and the premature endorsement of consensus candidates ahead of party primaries.
A party stakeholder, Mr. Thomas Ioryina, who spoke in Makurdi on Thursday, warned that the growing discontent could negatively impact the party if not urgently addressed.
According to him, the current approach to zoning and consensus building has already triggered unease among party faithful.
Ioryina explained that both arrangements, concluded ahead of the primaries, have been openly criticised by a significant number of members who believe the process lacks fairness and transparency.
He cautioned that the direction the party appears to be taking could deepen internal divisions and weaken its electoral prospects in the forthcoming general elections.
Corroborating these concerns, another party member, Mr. Terna Akpen, argued that the zoning formula being circulated does not reflect equity or align with prior understandings among stakeholders.
“Zoning is meant to ensure fairness and inclusiveness, but what we are witnessing appears skewed in favour of certain interests.
That is not how to build unity within a political party,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs. Grace Iorver, a prominent APC mobiliser in the state, criticised what she described as the rushed adoption of consensus candidates without adequate consultation across party structures.
She noted that such moves risk sidelining credible aspirants who have invested time and resources in building their political networks.
“The concept of consensus is not inherently wrong, but it must be the product of broad agreement. What we have now is imposition disguised as consensus, and that is dangerous for party cohesion,” she stated.
Also lending his voice, Mr. Edwin Akaa warned that failure to address the grievances could alienate grassroots supporters and erode confidence in the party’s internal processes.
“There is growing frustration among party faithful. People want transparency and fairness. If these are not guaranteed, it could affect turnout and commitment during the elections,” he said.
Akaa further cautioned that unresolved disputes over zoning and candidate selection may lead to defections or protest votes—developments he described as detrimental at a critical political moment.
The stakeholders collectively called on APC leadership at both state and national levels to intervene swiftly, ensure inclusiveness, and restore unity within the party ranks ahead of the primaries.
