APC primaries: Suswam defeats Udende in Zone A, Ottah floors rivals in Benue South

Former Benue State governor, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, has emerged winner of the Benue North East (Zone “A”) APC Senatorial Primary election after polling 131,083 votes.

Suswam defeated his closest rival and incumbent senator, Emmanuel Memga Udende, in the keenly contested primary election conducted across the 7 local government areas of Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Konshisha, Vandeikya, Kwande and Ushongo.

Similarly, in Benue South Senatorial District, former lawmaker, Francis Ottah Agbo, emerged winner of the APC senatorial primary amid controversy and allegations of imposition.

The primary election was initially expected to be a fierce contest among leading aspirants, including former Senate aspirant, Hon. Daniel Onjeh.

However, Onjeh later announced his withdrawal from the race, citing alleged irregularities and claims of attempts to impose a preferred candidate on the party.

Despite his withdrawal, Onjeh’s name remained on the ballot and he polled 4,570 votes in the exercise.

Final results released after the primary showed that Francis Ottah Agbo secured victory with 58,760 votes to emerge winner of the contest.

Other results announced include: Hon. Joseph Ojobo 6,782 votes, Engr. Oloche Agidani: 5,246 votes, Hon. Daniel Onjeh: 4,570 votes, Hon. Nelson Alapa: 4,312 votes, Patrick Ojechema Idoko: 2,732 votes.

Meanwhile, the final result from Benue North West ‘Zone B’ is still awaited.