PDP Announces Primary Winners for Benue Council Elections Amid Internal Calls for Reform

Benue State, Nigeria – August 29, 2024 – The Benue State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has unveiled the list of candidates who emerged victorious in the party’s primaries for the upcoming Local Government elections. Scheduled for October 5, 2024, these elections will determine the next leaders for various local councils in the state.

The announcement was made by Hon. Mike Adyo, Chairman of the PDP Local Government Primary Elections Committee. The winners for the different local government areas are:

• Gwer East: Hon. Leo Mbakaa
• Logo: Hon. Kwaghvihi Dennis Mzungwega
• Guma: Bar. James Kyaagba
• Makurdi: Hon. Martins Aza
• Ukum: Hon. Mrs. Ann Ava Ijih
• Gwer-West: John Orkaa
• Tarka: Hon. Imojime Igbasoo
• Gboko: Jacob Gyulen
• Additional: Hon. Emmanuel Hangeior

Further results will be announced as they become available.

In a related development, the Coalition of PDP Professionals, a prominent pressure group within the party, has called for urgent reforms to address ongoing crises within the PDP. The group has urged the party’s Disciplinary Committee, led by High Chief Tom Ikimi, to take decisive action against high-profile members whose actions and statements are deemed detrimental to the party’s unity and progress.

The Coalition, led by Engineer Abdulraheem Ilyasu Garba and Mr. Gabriel Segun Adekoya, has specifically called for scrutiny and potential disciplinary action against Senator Dino Melaye. The group has accused Melaye of undermining party leaders, including acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum, PDP Secretary Sam Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature. Melaye’s recent remarks have been seen as a reaction to the enforcement of the PDP constitution and INEC guidelines during the Kogi State congress.

The Coalition’s statement emphasized the need for the party to uphold its constitutional and electoral standards and apply appropriate sanctions to discourage future disruptions. They argue that consistent enforcement of party rules is crucial to maintaining internal discipline and ensuring the party’s overall stability.

The PDP faces critical challenges as it prepares for the upcoming elections and navigates internal disagreements, with calls for reform highlighting the need for stronger leadership and clearer adherence to party regulations.