As the 2027 general elections draw close, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, is taking steps aimed at unifying the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
It is in the same vein that the Governor convened a reconciliatory meeting of key APC stakeholders, which held in the New Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, which was held behind closed doors, Governor Alia said the initiative marked a significant step towards resolving internal differences as well as restoring cohesion within the party ahead of the upcoming general elections.
According to him, “I had called for this meeting for all members of the APC to come back under one roof, both agrieved and nonagrieved.
“The import of this is to reconcile with each other, to find common grounds as we were operating and working before now, that we go back to the basics of camaraderie, friendships and partnerships to work for the progress, growth and development of APC in the state and the nation at large.
“The state is privileged to be governed by an APC administration, and we can not afford to miss the opportunity where the citizenry of the state would enjoy at their best. So far, basic education is free, our roads are being fixed, our healthcare system at all levels, is also being revamped, having improved on old ones and built new ones. When you put all these together, you have very common reason to ensure that we work as one.
“So, my initiative to call for this meeting is very deliberate so that every member will come back. For those who are aggrieved, I had to apologise on behalf of every member of the APC in the state.
“And as I said earlier, when we work together wholesomely then, we will even make Benue greater. Remember that the state is bigger than each of us. We collectively, are Benue and we are only privileged to be in these positions. Therefore, if we do not do what will mend fences, if we do not bring back waring parties, then it is not good leadership.
“This is why I had to invite the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen George Akume, and all his membership, to come to a round table with me so that we operate under one roof of APC in the state.
On whether the stakeholders resolved during the meeting that the consensus method be adopted for members vying for various positions, the Governor said, “No. I think that is beyond both of us because the APC leadership has told us very plainly and Mr. President has also mentioned it several times. The National Chairman of the party also mentioned that for the umpteenth time that there is no automatic ticket. I think it is a prayer the SGF tendered to the people of the state, it is not a resolution. He prayed the people to seek deep within to see how they can support our members, particularly those who are currently serving.”
Also speaking, the SGF, Sen Akume acknowledged that positive resolutions were reached during the meeting.
He commended Governor Alia for apologising to agrieved members of the party, an act he described as a critical move toward genuine reconciliation.
He further expressed hope that all elected APC officials in the state are reelected through consensus noting that unity is the bedrock for political stability.
Speaking in separate interviews, former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam; member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Hon. David Ogewu as well as Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo,
described the meeting as a collective effort aimed at strengthening the APC.
According to them, the meeting marks a significant step in efforts geared towards consolidating on the APC’s internal structure in Benue State.
They disclosed that a committee had been constituted to fine-tune resolutions reached during the meeting and draft a formal communiqué, expressing optimism that the reconciliation process would yield lasting results.
On his part, the APC National Vice Chairman North-Central, Muazu Bawa Rijau, noted that party members had resolved their differences and recommitted themselves to a united front.
He assured that the party would strictly adhere to stipulated guidelines regarding primary elections, with direct primaries earlier adopted as the preferred mode in the state.
