APC Benue Stakeholders Reconcile, Back Unity Drive Ahead Of 2027 Elections

A reconciliation meeting of stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has ended with a strong call for unity, forgiveness and renewed commitment to victory ahead of the 2027 elections.

The meeting, held at the New Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi on Sunday, was jointly convened by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to the communiqué, the gathering brought together “party elders, political appointees, National and state legislators, stakeholders, party leaders and the National Vice-Chairman (APC) North-Central,” and was conducted “in a very cordial and warm atmosphere.”

The communiqué noted that “the Chief Host, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iorem Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator Dr George Akume CFR met briefly in a closed-door meeting before the commencement of the larger meeting.”

Welcoming participants, Benue APC Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, delivered an opening address, after which the National Vice Chairman emphasised reconciliation, stating that unity, peace and dialogue remained critical to the party’s progress.

Governor Alia, in what was described as a passionate intervention, told stakeholders that “APC was one family born out of dialogue, tolerance and peace,” adding that “we must have the courage to forgive each other and the maturity to listen to each other as leaders.”

He further acknowledged past shortcomings, saying, “I apologise to all for the failure of past efforts to uphold unity,” a remark that drew a standing ovation from attendees.

Also speaking, Akume stressed the need for cohesion within the party, declaring that “the APC is not a battlefield but a movement of hope, discipline and purpose,” and warning that “victory at the polls starts with peace within the family.”

He added that “as a political family, the APC has a space for every voice that includes the elders, women and the youths,” while conveying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s position that “the Governor, National Assembly members and State Assembly members who were elected on the platform of the APC in 2023 should be returned in the 2027 elections.”

The meeting resolved that “the APC family in Benue State is united with one purpose to re-enact the victory that was achieved in 2023 by closing all loopholes of internal disunity.”

It further agreed that “the Governor, the SGF and all relevant stakeholders should take necessary steps to actualise the desire of Mr President, and should follow this resolution and put the unity and reconciliation to action.”

Stakeholders also endorsed the creation of a reconciliation mechanism, resolving that “a peace and reconciliation committee should be set up to drive the process.”

The communiqué concluded that “the meeting ended on a joyous note, and the communal spirit of the party was established,” with proceedings formally adjourned at 5pm.

The document was endorsed by key state officials, including Deputy Governor Sam Ode, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono, elder statesman Iyorwuese Hagher, and other top government functionaries.

Boluwatife Enome