Follow Us on Google
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A group of concerned citizens under the auspices of “We the People of Nigeria Initiative” has faulted the conduct of the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Benue State, alleging widespread manipulation and imposition of candidates by some individuals in the State.
The “We the People of Nigeria Initiative” which was unveiled Wednesday, July 1, 2026, will focus on enhancing citizen participation in governance and national development.
Addressing newsmen in Makurdi, the group’s convener and former Executive Director of the Justice and Rights Initiative (JRI), Justin Gbagir, who recently contested for the APC ticket to represent Nyamatsor formerly Buruku State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, claimed that the primaries were neither transparent nor reflective of the wishes of party members at the grassroots.
He alleged that although he enjoyed overwhelming support from constituents during the direct primaries, the process was skewed and manipulated in favour of preferred candidates.
According to him, a group known as the Governor’s Pointmen hijacked the selection process across the state, sidelining qualified aspirants and undermining internal democracy within the ruling party.
The group argued that the alleged imposition of candidates has generated dissatisfaction among party faithful and risks creating divisions within the APC ahead of future elections. He added that the development has weakened confidence in the party’s internal processes and could negatively affect its electoral fortunes if left unaddressed.
According to the group, the position of “Pointmen” is unknown to the Nigerian Constitution and is not recognized by any law or government policy, adding that governance structures already provide for the Governor, Deputy Governor, commissioners, advisers and civil servants, stressing that ultimate responsibility for both governance and political leadership rests with the Governor.
The group also expressed concern over reports that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC had replaced some candidates who allegedly emerged from the Benue primaries with persons believed to be loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
It noted that the development followed a widely publicized disagreement between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the SGF over the outcome of a purported reconciliation meeting held before the primaries.
According to the group, the dispute between factions loyal to the Governor and the SGF has overshadowed the interests of ordinary party members and voters.
It warned that continued political maneuvering and disregard for grassroots voices could lead to voter apathy, internal party crises and a loss of public trust in democratic institutions.
The group called on the APC leadership to rebuild confidence by ensuring transparent candidate selection processes, encouraging open dialogue and strengthening engagement with party members at all levels.
It stressed further that political power ultimately belongs to the people and that citizens must be allowed to freely determine their representatives.
As part of its response to the developments, the group announced the formation of the “We the People of Nigeria Initiative,” a political and civic movement aimed at promoting citizen participation, good governance, accountability and national development.
The initiative said it would pursue civic education, community mobilization, advocacy and grassroots engagement to ensure that democratic values are protected.
The group pledged to remain actively involved in political affairs in Benue State and across Nigeria, urging citizens to join the movement in defending democracy, the rule of law and the principles of justice and fairness in governance.
