Benue South APC Chairmen Fire Back: ” We are Legitimate”

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BENUE SOUTH APC CHAIRMEN FIRE BACK: “WE ARE LEGITIMATE—NO ONE CAN SHUT DOWN OUR POLITICAL RIGHTS”

OTUKPO, BENUE STATE — The nine duly elected All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Chairmen of Benue South Senatorial District have issued a powerful joint statement, defending their legitimacy and condemning attempts to undermine their authority following the inauguration of the APC Elders’ Forum held in Otukpo on November 22, 2025.

The chairmen, representing Ado, Agatu, Apa, Obi, Oju, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Otukpo and Ogbadibo LGAs, declared that they were compelled to respond to the statement by the Executive Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Hon. Prince Maxwell Ogiri, to prevent “distortion of facts” regarding an event they insist was lawful, peaceful and fully backed by recognised party structures.

“WE ARE LEGITIMATE, ELECTED, AND BACKED BY THE LAW”

In a strong rebuttal, the chairmen dismissed claims that the Agada-led State Executive had been dissolved, describing such narratives as “a political falsehood already buried by the courts.”

They emphasised that:

They were elected through a valid Congress supervised by INEC.
No court has nullified their mandate.
A subsisting court judgment has set aside the purported dissolution and reaffirmed Comrade Austin Agada as the legally recognised APC State Chairman.

They further accused unnamed actors of running “artificial, unstable structures” in Benue South, where officials are changed at will “merely because someone does not like someone’s face,” calling such behaviour a mockery of internal party democracy.

They also challenged those promoting the dissolution narrative to explain whether, by their logic, local government and ward party executives—elected in the same Congress—were also dissolved.
Their failure to answer this question, they said, exposes the “insincerity and inconsistency” of their claims.

“WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO HOLD PARTY MEETINGS — THE LAW IS CLEAR”

The chairmen stated that they do not require permission from any local government chairman to hold internal party meetings, stressing that:

Freedom of association and assembly is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
APC local government chairmen possess the structure and mandate to convene zonal and local meetings.
The November 22 Elders’ Forum inauguration was peaceful, orderly and attended by 510 elders from 102 wards across the senatorial district.

CHAIRMEN ACCUSE OTUKPO COUNCIL BOSS OF MISLEADING THE PUBLIC

The statement described Hon. Ogiri’s comments as “misleading and unfortunate,” noting that the event he sought to portray as “illegal” was attended by respected APC elders, ward and LGA executives, zonal officers and state officials.

The forum used the occasion to:

Endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027
Pass a vote of confidence on Senator George Akume
Reaffirm support for Comrade Austin Agada as APC State Chairman

They insisted the gathering strengthened party unity rather than threatened peace.

“CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER IS NOT PARTY SUPREME AUTHORITY”

The chairmen cautioned the Otukpo Council Chairman against overstretching his administrative authority, noting that:

“The office of Chief Security Officer does not override party structures.”

They stressed that political party affairs remain independent and do not require clearance from local government administration.

CHAIRMEN WARN AGAINST INTIMIDATION AND POLITICAL BULLYING

In a stern message, the APC chairmen warned against any attempt to suppress their constitutionally guaranteed freedoms under the guise of “security concerns.”
They declared that Benue South APC has operated peacefully and will not tolerate harassment or political bullying.

A WARNING ON THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S PURPORTED DIRECTIVE

The chairmen also confirmed awareness of an alleged directive from the Deputy Governor of Benue State instructing council chairmen to obstruct their political activities.

They warned that:

No directive can override the APC Constitution or the rights of legally elected party officials.
Any attempt to disrupt their gatherings or intimidate members would be resisted within the law.
Security agencies must remain neutral and vigilant.

“WE STAND BY OUR ENDORSEMENTS — NO APOLOGIES”

The APC local government chairmen reaffirmed the decisions taken at the Elders’ Forum:

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu endorsed for 2027
Senator George Akume remains the undisputed leader of the APC in Benue and the North Central
Comrade Austin Agada retains absolute confidence of party stakeholders in Benue South

They described the endorsements as democratic, transparent, and reflective of the political will of the zone.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027

The chairmen declared that the APC in Benue South is “stable, united, and focused on victory in 2027,” urging members to remain calm and steadfast in the face of political distractions.

SIGNED

APC Local Government Chairmen, Benue South Senatorial District
Josiah Owobi – Ado
Saidu Habib – Agatu
Samuel Obiabo – Apa
Peter Ekah – Obi
Hon. Ekirigwe Andy Ogbaji – Oju
Inalegwu Enokela – Ohimini
Stephen Ochai – Okpokwu
Hon. Moses Okoh – Otukpo
Hon. Andrew Edache – Ogbadibo