A stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue state, Mr Thomas Ioryina, Thursday, raised concerns over what he described as faulty zoning arrangements and the premature endorsement of consensus candidates, warning that the moves have already generated tension within the party.
Speaking in Makurdi, Ioryina cautioned that if the situation was not properly addressed, it could negatively affect the APC’s fortunes in the forthcoming elections.
He explained that both the zoning formula and the consensus arrangements, made ahead of the party’s primaries, have been openly criticised by many party faithful.
Mr Terna Akpen, another member of the party, argued that the zoning formula being circulated does not reflect equity or the established understanding among stakeholders.
“Zoning is meant to promote fairness and inclusion, but what we are seeing appears skewed in favour of certain interests. That is not how to build unity,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Grace Iorver, a prominent APC mobiliser in the state, faulted what she described as the rushed adoption of consensus candidates without adequate consultation.
She noted that the move sidelined other qualified aspirants who had invested time and resources in building their political structures.
“The idea of consensus is not bad in itself, but it must emerge from broad agreement. What we have now is imposition disguised as consensus, and that is dangerous for the party’s cohesion,” she remarked.
Mr Edwin Akaa echoed similar concerns, warning that the party risks alienating grassroots supporters if grievances are not addressed.
He emphasised that many loyal members feel excluded from the decision-making process.
“There is growing frustration among party faithful. People want transparency and fairness, and if these are not guaranteed, it could affect turnout and commitment during the general elections,” he said.
Akaa further cautioned that unresolved disputes over zoning and candidate selection could trigger defections or protest votes, outcomes the party can ill afford at this critical time.
He urged APC leadership at both the state and national levels to intervene swiftly to restore confidence among members.