VIOLENCE ERUPTS AT APC NASARAWA NORTH SENATORIAL PRIMARY AS SULE, AGARA SUPPORTERS CLASH

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The All Progressives Congress senatorial primary election in the Nasarawa North Senatorial District turned violent on Monday as supporters of Governor Abdullahi Sule and former Deputy Governor Silas Agara clashed in parts of Akwanga Local Government Area.

The crisis reportedly began at the VIP Akwanga distribution centre, where supporters of one of the aspirants were allegedly assaulted, beaten and chased away by rival groups.

A similar confrontation was reported at the Central School, Akwanga East Ward, where supporters of both camps exchanged blows during the exercise.

Eyewitnesses described the situation as chaotic and tense, with one supporter from Ancho-Nighaan Ward, Bayan Dutse, alleging that a group of youths attacked them after the election, seized their mobile phones and physically assaulted them.

A returning officer identified simply as Mr. Jamu, who served at the Agyaga electoral area, was said to have returned to the collation centre with injuries, including a bleeding head wound. He was subsequently hospitalised.

Although calm has since returned to Akwanga, residents were still gathered in groups discussing the violence and condemning the disturbances linked to the primary election.

In Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, another clash reportedly broke out at Ende Electoral Ward between supporters loyal to Governor Sule and those backing Silas Agara.

Meanwhile, confusion was also reported in Wamba Local Government Area, where party members and voters allegedly waited until evening without the arrival of electoral materials or officials.

As of the time of filing the report, officials of the APC had yet to issue an official statement on the incidents, raising concerns over the credibility and conduct of the senatorial primary in the state.

Despite the violence, Governor Abdullahi Sule emerged victorious in the Nasarawa Eggon Ward primary election.

The ward returning officer, Thaddeus Maiyanga, announced that Sule secured 2,570 votes, while his opponent, former Deputy Governor Silas Ali Agara, polled 166 votes.

A total of 2,736 voters were reportedly accredited for the APC direct senatorial primary in the ward ahead of the 2027 general elections.