By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The peace meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State ended Sunday in Makurdi with a major disagreement between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, over the issue of automatic tickets for state and national lawmakers.

The closed-door reconciliation meeting, held at the Government House, brought together key stakeholders of the party, including former Governor Gabriel Suswam, Senator Emmanuel Udende, Solomon Wombo, among others, in a bid to mend internal divisions ahead of the coming elections.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Senator Akume said part of the understanding reached was that all serving APC lawmakers at both state and national levels should be granted automatic return tickets.

“Where we went wrong, we want to have it corrected. We want everybody to have a place. We want inclusiveness in this party. All those elected on the platform of the APC, from the State Assembly to the National Assembly, must still come back. It’s automatic, they must return.”

However, Governor Alia swiftly countered the SGF’s position, clarifying that the issue of automatic tickets was neither agreed upon nor within their individual authority to decide.
“I think that is beyond both of us. The APC has made it clear, Mr. President and the National Chairman have reiterated several times that there is no automatic ticket. What he (Akume) said is more of a prayer than a resolution.”

The Governor emphasized that the primary objective of the meeting was reconciliation and unity within the party, noting that efforts were made to bring together aggrieved and non-aggrieved members under one umbrella.

“I called for this meeting so that all members of the APC can come back under one roof. The essence is to reconcile, find common ground, and return to the spirit of camaraderie, partnership, and progress,” he said.

He also revealed that he tendered an apology on behalf of party members in the state as part of efforts to heal rifts and foster unity.

“When we work together, we will make Benue greater. The state is bigger than any individual, and we must act with that understanding,” the governor added.

Former Governor Gabriel Suswam, who attended the meeting, downplayed individual interests, describing the dialogue as a significant step toward restoring unity in the party.

“This meeting is not about anyone, it is about the state and the APC. What is important is that people have agreed to sit down together and talk. A small committee has been set up to handle the details, and in time, everything will be clearer,” Suswam said.

On his part, Senator Emmanuel Udende said the meeting succeeded in restoring peace among party members, stressing that unity was critical for electoral success.

He said, “One of the key resolutions is peace. The governor has apologized and called for forgiveness. The message conveyed is that from the President down to the lawmakers, there should be continuity and a united front for victory.”

He added that the issue of party leadership at the state level, including the status of the Austin Agada-led executive, was not discussed at the meeting.

Also speaking, former Commissioner and lawmaker, Mr. Nick Eworo who lauded President Bola Tinubu for providing selfless leadership and direction for the country and APC, said his peace initiative for Benue state deserved commendation.

He noted that as a President who was prepared for the task of leadership from the onset, he deserved all the support of Benue people who should stand united and delivered the state to the President and the APC in the coming elections.