By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr.  Hyacinth Alia, has been formally registered as the first member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, receiving membership registration number 001, as the party officially flagged off its electronic membership registration exercise.

The exercise took place on Monday at RCM Primary School, Ihugh, the governor’s hometown in Vandeikya Local Government Area, marking the commencement of a statewide registration drive by the ruling party.

Speaking shortly after his registration, Governor Alia announced that statewide registration would begin on Tuesday, urging APC chairmen at all levels and ward leaders to mobilise members for individual registration.

He disclosed that registration agents had already been deployed to all council wards across the state.

The governor cautioned party members against actions capable of disrupting or politicising the exercise, stressing the need for peaceful and orderly coordination at the ward level to ensure its success.

He commended members of his community for their massive turnout, describing his registration as “a clear demonstration of acceptance” as he prepares for his re-election bid.

Governor Alia also praised the APC National Chairman for initiating the e-registration programme, noting that it would help the party accurately determine its numerical strength at both state and local government levels.

He further appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for the party, saying the President’s interventions had transformed Benue State into a major construction hub driving development.

In his remarks, Benue State APC Chairman, Mr. Benjamin Omale, disclosed that the registration exercise would be conducted in all 872 wards across the state, with three agents deployed to each ward to guarantee a seamless and credible process.

Omale described the e-registration initiative as “a major step towards strengthening democratic institutions through technology,” and called on party members to participate peacefully, responsibly and in unity.

Also speaking, the State APC Registration Coordinator, Mr. James Ornguga, explained that the exercise requires registrants to present their National Identification Number (NIN) and Voter’s Card.

He added that in areas with poor network coverage, registration agents would capture details manually for later upload.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Kastina, Ukum and Logo Federal Constituency and APC chieftain, Mr. Solomon Wombo, lauded Governor Alia’s developmental strides in the state and expressed firm support for his re-election ambition.