…pledge support for Alia ahead of 2027

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Elders and key stakeholders from Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in Benue State have passed a unanimous vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the state and national levels, pledging total support for the governor and the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made during a New Year courtesy visit to the Benue State APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, where the delegation commended the party leadership for what they described as inclusive governance and steady consolidation of the APC in the state.

The delegation, made up of elders, women, youths and political leaders from Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas, LGAs, expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for what they termed “visible love and fairness” towards the zone.

Speaking on behalf of the group, members noted that the governor’s disposition to Otukpo/Ohimini was evident in key appointments, including the emergence of the Deputy Governor, the allocation of the Ministries of Finance and Health, and the position of APC State Chairman, all occupied by indigenes of the constituency.

“We are grateful to Governor Alia for carrying Otukpo/Ohimini along in his administration. These appointments clearly show that our people are not left out of governance,” one of the elders said.

The stakeholders also applauded Chief Omale for his leadership style, describing it as focused and unifying. They assured the APC caretaker chairman of their readiness to mobilise massive grassroots support to ensure the party’s victory in 2027.

The visit was led by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Musa Ujor, and featured prominent leaders including Hon. Agbo Uloko (Gubernatorial Laison Officer, GLO, Otukpo), Yusuf Hussain (GLO Ohimini), Hon. Wilfred Adegene, Hon. Austine Effa, Chief Eddy Anyebe, Hon. Alex Ineke, Elder John Achegbulu and Hon. Anne Odeh, among others.

Several speakers during the meeting praised the performance of the APC-led administration in Benue, particularly in the area of security, commending Governor Alia for ensuring what they described as a “peaceful and hitch-free Christmas celebration across the state.”

As part of the visit, two motions for votes of confidence were moved, seconded and unanimously adopted on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Benue State APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale.

The motions were affirmed with a resounding chorus of “yes” from members of the delegation.

Responding, Chief Omale thanked the leaders for their show of solidarity and support, urging them to remain steadfast and prayerful.

“I deeply appreciate this visit and the confidence you have expressed in our leadership. I urge you to continue to pray for our leaders and remain united as a people,” Omale said.

He also encouraged members of the constituency to actively participate in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise as well as the Continuous Voter Registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that political mobilisation ahead of 2027 must begin early.

Chief Omale reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to justice, equity and fairness, assuring that the party would continue to operate an inclusive system of governance that carries all stakeholders along.