By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The lingering crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has been resolved following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with key stakeholders pledging to work together ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reconciliation was reached after a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Makurdi involving the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.
The meeting, which lasted about three hours, was convened at the instance of the President through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to end years of internal disagreements that had divided the party in the state.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, both leaders confirmed that grievances had been resolved and that the party would henceforth operate as a united front.
Governor Alia tendered an apology during the meeting to aggrieved members, accepting responsibility as leader of the party in the state and stressing the need for reconciliation and collective progress.
Senator Akume commended the governor’s apology, describing it as a critical step towards genuine peace, and emphasised the importance of inclusivity in strengthening the party.
The SGF expressed optimism that unity within the APC would enhance its chances in future elections and revealed that stakeholders had agreed on Governor Alia emerging as a consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship race.
However, both leaders differed on the issue of automatic tickets for serving State and National Assembly lawmakers.
While Akume advocated support for incumbent legislators to retain their seats, Governor Alia insisted that no such decision was reached, noting that the party’s national leadership has consistently ruled out automatic tickets.
He explained that any support for incumbents remains an appeal to voters rather than a binding party resolution.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, described the reconciliation as timely and necessary for party stability.
He noted that dialogue and compromise were essential to restoring unity and strengthening the APC’s internal structure in the state.
Also speaking, Senator Emmanuel Udende said the party had moved past its divisions and was now focused on a common goal, warning that continued disunity could have had serious political consequences.
Other stakeholders, including Hon. Nick Eworo and Hon. David Ogewu, praised the President’s intervention, describing it as a decisive move to unify the party.
They expressed confidence that the renewed cooperation among members would translate into stronger grassroots support and electoral success.
The APC National Vice Chairman (North-Central), Muazu Bawa Rijau, confirmed that party members had resolved their differences and recommitted to unity.
He added that the party would adhere strictly to its guidelines for primary elections, with direct primaries remaining the preferred option in the state.
Meanwhile, a committee has been set up to fine-tune the resolutions and produce a formal communiqué, as stakeholders expressed optimism that the reconciliation would yield lasting peace and reposition the APC for the 2027 elections.
The high-level meeting, held under tight security, is widely seen as a strategic step to consolidate the party’s strength in Benue State and align it with the broader political agenda of the Tinubu administration.
