- APC Pledge To Rebuild Trust, Unites Behind Alia’s Re-Election Bid
AFTER a prolonged period of internal strife, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has announced a formal resolution of its crisis, following a high-level reconciliation meeting in the state capital, Makurdi.
The crucial peace parley, which took place on Sunday, brought together Governor Hyacinth Alia, senior party leaders, federal and state lawmakers, and other influential stakeholders, all seeking to mend divisions that had weakened the party’s political standing.
The closed-door deliberations were spearheaded by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who later briefed the press on the resolutions.
Senator Akume stated that the gathering provided a platform for members to openly review longstanding grievances, personal disagreements, and political misunderstandings that had eroded internal confidence and slowed the party’s progress.
In a spirit of compromise, the members agreed to prioritise unity, dialogue, and mutual respect moving forward.
“We reviewed our mistakes and agreed to rebuild an inclusive party,” Akume said, adding that a consensus was reached to support Governor Hyacinth Alia’s return as the party’s governorship candidate in the next election.
Central to the reconciliation was a moment of accountability from the governor himself. Senator Akume revealed that Governor Alia acknowledged the concerns raised by aggrieved members and offered a formal apology, a step Akume described as vital for healing.
“The governor apologised, and that is an important step toward reconciliation,” Akume noted as he also conveyed a message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who urged all elected APC officials – including those at both state and national levels – to work together harmoniously for the collective good of the party.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Alia described the gathering as both timely and necessary, deliberately designed to heal divisions and restore confidence among party faithful.
“This meeting was deliberate and aimed at bringing everyone back together,” Alia said and reiterated that he had apologised on behalf of all members to those who felt excluded or offended, stressing that the interests of Benue State must supersede any personal ambition.
“Benue is bigger than any individual, and unity must prevail,” he declared. The governor further emphasised that effective governance and development rely on reconciliation, sacrifice, and collective responsibility.
Addressing rumours of automatic tickets for elective positions, Governor Alia dismissed reports of any official directive from the party’s national leadership, clarifying that earlier comments on the matter were merely appeals for support, not binding approvals.
In a separate statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia commended all APC stakeholders in Benue for heeding his invitation and embracing the path of peace after three years of lingering internal crises.
He expressed optimism that the resolutions would usher in a new phase of unity, cooperation, and cohesion, urging all members and their supporters to sustain the momentum through continued dialogue and mutual respect.
The governor specifically acknowledged the presence of key leaders, including Senator Akume, former Governor Gabriel Suswam, former Deputy Governor, Chief Stephen Lawani, as well as past and serving National Assembly members, state legislators, and federal appointees.
He noted that their attendance underscored a shared commitment to the stability and progress of the APC in Benue State.
