The political crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has been finally laid to rest with political gladiators in the state agreeing to work together for the party’s victory in the 2027 general election.
Following the decision of the warring factions to give peace a chance, it was agreed that the governor, Hyacinth Alia, National Assembly and state Assembly members who were elected on the platform of APC in 2023 be returned in the 2027 elections.
Their resolution was contained in a communique issued on Monday following the peace meeting held on Sunday in Makurdi.
The communique was jointly signed by the deputy governor of Benue State, Sam Ode; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professsor Joseph Utsev; Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono; and Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Emberga Alfred, among others.
The meeting was convened by the governor and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. It attended by party leaders, political appointees, national and state legislators, stakeholders, and APC National Vice Chairman, North-central, Muazu Bawa
The communique said the governor made a passionate appeal, saying APC is a family born out of dialogue, tolerance, and peace. He added that they must have the courage to forgive each other and maturity to listen to each other as leaders.
It said Akume reiterated that APC was not a battlefield but a movement of hope, discipline, and purpose, stressing that victory at the polls starts with peace within the family.
Akume acknowledged that as a political family, APC had a space for every voice, which included the elders, women and the youth.
The communique stated, “The SGF further conveyed the desire of Mr. President 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.
“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.
“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.
“That a peace and reconciliation committee should be set up to drive the process. The meeting ended on a joyous note, and the communal spirit of the party was established. The meeting adjourned at 5pm.”
Adedayo Akinwale
