In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Akor Ikwuoche, the G-9 Benue South said the decision of the members was to “maintain the sanctity of their ideological conviction and commitment to defending the dignity of the Idoma nation”.

The group, however, said the development does not mean they have withdrawn their support for the APC and its candidates in the forthcoming elections.

The statement reads, “We consider it immoral to accept any appointment under the current state leadership which has no respect for APC stakeholders in Idoma nation when it comes to running the State affairs.

“The G-9 has on several occasions, demanded that the Tiv-controlled State leadership of the party allow the Idoma people to decide their political affairs by themselves and not by imposition from the Tiv leaders but all that outcry meant nothing to the party leadership in the state.

“It will therefore amount to greater insult on the Idoma people if Idoma leaders accept responsibility under a leadership that does not accord the Idoma people any iota of dignity or fair share.

“Accordingly, all the underlisted members of G-9 who were recently appointed into the APC governorship Campaign Council in Benue state have, by this correspondence, rejected their appointments and have withdrawn their membership of the Campaign Council”.

They are: 1. Hon Chief Nelson Alapa

2. Comr Abba Yaro

3. Engr Morgan Okwoche

4. Hon Theresa Odachi Ikwue

5. Engr Austin Oleho

6. Hon. Bernard Ochepa

7. Hon. Michael Oglegba

8. Barr Akor Ikwuoche

Expanded Operations

9. Barr Oche Emmanuel

Expanded Operations

10. Amb Prof Dickson Akoh

11. Engr. Johnson Agada

Apa LG Council 2

12. Sunday Odeje No iii.

13. Hon Anne Itodo Benjamin – Okpokwu