The Independent National Electoral Commission has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam emerged as the winner of the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Benue North-East Senatorial District.

The disclosure was made during proceedings in a suit filed by Suswam challenging the APC’s decision to recognise incumbent Senator Emmanuel Udende as its candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.

Suswam is asking the court to declare him the legitimate winner of the primary and compel the APC to recognise him as its candidate for the election.

During the hearing, INEC’s lawyer informed the court that the commission’s report and the results recorded from the primary indicated that Suswam won the contest.

The APC and Senator Udende, however, opposed the suit and asked the court to dismiss it, arguing that the party’s decision was valid.

The parties presented their respective arguments before Justice Inyang Ekwo, who subsequently reserved judgment in the case.

The court fixed October 12 for the delivery of its judgment.

The ruling is expected to determine who will be recognised as the APC’s candidate for the Benue North-East Senatorial District in the 2027 election.