Governor Hyacinth Alia has assured that the protracted leadership crisis within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will soon be resolved.
Speaking on Saturday in Makurdi, the governor disclosed that all indications point to a breakthrough following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Sunday. He made the remarks while receiving his expression of interest and nomination forms, purchased on his behalf by the Benue Motorcycle Association (BEMOA) and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).
Mr Alia stressed that the meeting was convened to foster unity among party members ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging cohesion in the interest of the state’s development.
Key attendees expected at the gathering include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; members of the National Assembly; and other senior party leaders.
Reaffirming Benue as an APC stronghold, the governor called for collective efforts to surpass the party’s performance in the 2023 elections.
“I wrote to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, inviting him to the meeting. I also invited members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Benue State House of Assembly,” Mr Alia said.
“Despite initial scheduling challenges, we have agreed that by Sunday, all APC members and stakeholders will converge to plan and unite for the progress of the state. It is important for me, as a leader, to convene this meeting. What unites us is far greater than what divides us.”
The governor expressed optimism that the forum would bring together delegates from various factions to strengthen party unity. He acknowledged that leadership often demands difficult decisions, adding that it is impossible to satisfy everyone.
Unperturbed by governance challenges, Mr Alia urged aspiring governorship candidates to test their popularity and acceptability among the people. He assured that his administration would continue implementing policies and projects that benefit the majority of Benue residents.
Thanking the unions for purchasing his nomination forms, he pledged not to disappoint them.
Earlier, Mr Michael Vembe, chairman of the NUP in Benue, revealed that pensioners had begun contributing funds as far back as 2025 to support the governor’s re-election bid. He commended Mr Alia for improving pensioners’ welfare through the regular payment of pensions and gratuities, while appealing for an upward review of benefits.
Similarly, Mr Terfa Aha of BEMOA said the association bought the forms in recognition of the governor’s achievements, particularly in road construction. He noted that improved roads had enhanced the safety and efficiency of motorcycle operations, reducing wear and tear.
