A serious crisis has broken out within the African Democratic Congress in Benue State after violent protests and fresh allegations rocked the party’s primary election process.
Tension reportedly rose in parts of Benue South as angry youths stormed the office of Samson Okwu, accusing him of working with Tiv political interests to block the Idoma people from securing the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The protesters carried placards, sang solidarity songs, and warned the party leadership against any plan they believe would deny the Idoma bloc a fair chance in the governorship race, insisting that Benue South must be given equal political opportunity.
The growing disagreement has also been worsened by silence from the National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, a development that has increased suspicion and frustration among party members across the state.
In a separate incident, the situation became more tense in Okpokwu Local Government Area after reports emerged that the ADC local chairman was allegedly kidnapped by unknown persons, causing panic within the party structure.
Following the incident, security operatives were deployed to the party secretariat in Okpoga, with armed police officers taking control of the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, another party member, Ejembi Adaje, has called for the cancellation of the primary election in Enone, claiming the process was full of irregularities and did not reflect the true choice of party members.