By Joe Ekel
Fresh political unrest has unsettled the African
Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State after the party’s internal
governorship selection process triggered outrage, street protests and serious
allegations capable of widening cracks within its ranks ahead of the 2027
elections.
The tension, which has
spread across parts of Benue South, erupted after some angry youths accused
influential party figures of allegedly plotting to frustrate the chances of the
Idoma people from securing the party’s governorship ticket.
At the centre of the
controversy is Samson Okwu, whose office was reportedly besieged by
demonstrators accusing him of allegedly aligning with Tiv political interests
against the aspiration of the Idoma bloc.
Carrying
banners and chanting anti-party slogans, the protesters insisted that Benue
South must not be politically shortchanged again, warning that any arrangement
perceived as unfair could further deepen dissatisfaction among party supporters
in the zone.
The
protesters maintained that the Idoma nation deserves equal consideration in the
governorship contest and called on party leaders to uphold justice, fairness
and political balance.
As
anxiety continued to mount, many party faithful expressed disappointment over
the silence of ADC National Chairman, , whose refusal to publicly address the
growing dispute has intensified speculation and mistrust within the party
structure in Benue State.
The
situation became even more alarming in Okpokwu Local Government Area following
reports that the local chairman of the ADC was allegedly abducted by
unidentified persons under unclear circumstances.
The
development reportedly sparked panic within the area, forcing security agencies
to swiftly move in to prevent possible violence.
Armed
police personnel were later deployed around the party secretariat in Okpoga,
where tension had continued to rise among worried members and residents.
Meanwhile,
the crisis took another dimension after Ejembi Adaje openly rejected the
outcome of the party’s primary election in Enone, describing the exercise as
deeply flawed and lacking credibility.
Adaje
alleged that the process was riddled with irregularities and failed to reflect
the true wishes of party members at the grassroots.
With protests growing louder and accusations multiplying
across different parts of the state, observers fear the deepening divisions
within the ADC could pose a serious threat to the party’s stability in Benue
ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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