Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper showed that major stakeholders of the Benue State chapter of All Progressive Congress especially those from MINDA have stylishly boycotted the ongoing E-Registration exercise of the party.
Apart from boycotting the exercise which is aimed to mobilize supports for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, they have also started consulting leaders of the opposition PDP, ADC, SDP, LP and Accord Party for their parties nomination at the forthcoming elections.
Sources confirmed that they don’t believe they can get tickets in the All Progressive Congress so they have started romancing opposition parties for possible nominations for the 2027 general elections.
Although, few of them may have registered secretly, majority of them haven’t participated openly or even mobilize members to partake in the exercise.
According to investigation, MINDA stakeholders who have not fully participated in the exercise as at the time of filing this report are Senator Titus Zam, Honourable Asema Achado, Honorable Dickson Tarkigir and Barrister Emmanuel Jime.
This newspaper found out that these MINDA stakeholders decided to shun the exercise as a result of the power tussle between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Senator George Akume over who controls the structure of the ruling party in Benue state.
This however has affected their individual relationships with President Bola Tinubu as they are now pursuing their personal interest without considering the loss it will bring for the party in 2027.
For Senator Titus Zam and Emmanuel Jime, findings by this newspaper show that they have started consulting other opposition parties in the state for their parties nomination as a result of the fear of the unknown.
While Senator Titus Zam has been moving from PDP to SDP, Mr. Emmanuel Jime has reached out to a leader of the African Democratic Congress in Benue State, Mr. Herman Hembe and a former governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.
Jime has also had multiple meetings with leaders of the Accord Party in recent time.
This according to multiple sources explains their absence at major party events like the recent major stakeholders meeting which was held in Makurdi.
Meanwhile, party faithfuls who spoke with this newspaper during our investigation stated that it’s sad that Senator George Akume is backing the non- participation of his men at the party’s E-Registration.
A senior APC member from MINDA said: “How can the SGF allow this to happen just because he is fighting with the governor. Akume is doing this at the expense of President Bola Tinubu.
“These core MINDA stakeholders of the ruling party aren’t fair to the party as a result of their decision not to fully participate in the E-Registration exercise.
“That they aren’t fully participating will affect President Bola Tinubu if care isn’t taken and we are appealing to the President to quickly look into this.”