Governor Hyacinth Alia, of Benue state has suspended the primary election of the All Progressives Congress for the Guma 1 State Constituency.
The governor, who gave the order while briefing journalists on Saturday on the conduct of the primary, regretted that the delegate election was marred by irregularities and insecurity.
Guma 1 State Constituency seat in the State House of Assembly was declared vacant following the resignation of Dr.Yamar Ortese who was appointed a commissioner.
The election to fill the vacant position is expected to be conducted next month, hence, the primary election to pick the candidate.
Following the irregularities that marred the conduct of the primary, Alia ordered the suspension.
The governor said, “This day, the APC is to conduct primary, but it was marred by misconduct, and this poses insecurity in Guma. It became imperative to calm the youth and party stakeholders who felt disenchanted. I would not want the effort of our security to go to waste. We do not want any semblance of insecurity in the state.
“I suspend the delegate primary election. Sad enough, the party faithful came out but were stopped at the gate by people who did not belong to the local government; all stakeholders were locked out and youths became angry, party faithful must help keep the peace in the state.
“I do not want any bloodshed as people get sensational and sentimental about politics. I have asked the security operatives to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order. I know that the National Working Committee of our party will do all to ensure that the right thing is done.”
