By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has upheld Chief Benjamin Omale as its Benue State Chairman following a reconciliation meeting of party leaders and stakeholders held in Makurdi.

The meeting which held Sunday brought together aggrieved leaders, members and stakeholders of the party in the state without any dispute raised by members over the state chairmanship of the party.

Speaking after the meeting, the APC National Vice Chairman for the North-Central zone, Alhaji Mu’azu Rijau, said the party had resolved its internal differences and emerged more united.

“Right from 2022 and 2023 when we took over power, we have been one family, and today we are all back to the fold as one united family,” Rijau stated.

On the issue of automatic tickets for State and National Assembly members, Rijau clarified that the party would adhere to established guidelines.

“Principally, like I mentioned, based on the party directives and the provision of the Electoral Act, the mode of primaries should be consensus or direct. Initially, we have elected to have direct primaries in Benue State, and that has been the decision,” he said.

In his remarks, Chief Omale expressed gratitude to party members and stakeholders for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the Almighty God for bringing us here today for this peace and reconciliation meeting which will chart a way forward for our party, especially as we prepare for the 2027 general elections,” Omale said.

He also thanked party delegates across the 23 local government areas for entrusting him with the leadership of the party in the state saying “I thank the good people of Benue State and all the delegates across the 23 local government areas for electing me and the other members of the State Executive Committee. We are indeed grateful to the people of Benue State.”

Omale noted that his emergence as chairman was in line with the party’s internal processes, including the ward, local government, zonal congresses, and the national convention.

The APC chairman further commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the reconciliation process. “I thank President Bola Tinubu, for initiating this special meeting. This singular act shows how Mr. President values and loves Benue state and its people,” he said.

He pledged the loyalty of the Benue APC to the President, stating, “Mr. President we are grateful and we assure you of our total commitment and loyalty always. Benue is all for you.”

Omale also lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for his role in fostering unity within the party and commended him for “his unwavering support, his commitment to unity, and the leadership that has continued to bring growth and strength to our party across the state.”

He also commended the governor for providing an enabling environment for the reconciliation meeting and for aligning with the vision of the President in efforts to transform the state.