By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia, Terhemen Tarzoor, has dismissed allegations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries in Benue State were marred by widespread irregularities.
Tarzoor, who serves as the “Renewed Hope Ambassador” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 campaign in Benue State, described the exercise as free, fair and conducted in line with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.
Speaking with journalists in Makurdi during the conduct of the primaries, Tarzoor maintained that the exercise was peaceful and well coordinated across the state.
According to him, electoral materials were distributed from the party secretariat to various local government areas and ward headquarters under the supervision of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who also served as the returning officer for the presidential primary election in the state.
“The governor was there to ensure that all the local governments received materials for onward distribution. People came out in large numbers to vote for Mr President, and so far, the process has been successful,” he said.
Tarzoor added that electoral materials arrived at all polling ward headquarters and that voters turned out massively to participate in the exercise.
“At all polling ward headquarters, materials were available and people came out to vote for Mr President. Of course, there are two candidates in the race, and so far, my principal, the head of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, is leading overwhelmingly,” he stated.
He further expressed confidence in the unity of the APC in Benue State, saying party members remained firmly behind Governor Alia’s leadership.
“All APC members in Benue State have accepted and aligned with their leader, Governor Hyacinth Alia. There is no doubt about his leadership prowess, and the party is speaking with one voice that Bola Tinubu will return to continue the work he is doing for Nigeria,” Tarzoor said.
Reacting to claims of irregularities, the former ambassador argued that perceptions of electoral malpractice are often influenced by political interests.
“Irregularities are relative in politics. When the process favours you, there are no irregularities, but when it does not, people complain. No system is absolutely perfect, but from my personal assessment, the primaries were free and fair and conducted without rancour or loss of lives,” he added.
Tarzoor also commended the level of mobilisation for the exercise, describing participation across the state as impressive and reflective of strong support for the president and the APC in Benue State.
