By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has assured President Bola Tinubu of stronger electoral support from the state in the 2027 presidential election, expressing confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge from recent internal disagreements more united.
Governor Alia gave the assurance on Tuesday while speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. He was accompanied by former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam.
The governor said Benue, which delivered victory for the APC in the 2023 governorship election, would significantly increase its support for the President’s re-election bid.
“As I won the election the first time, we are going to double the numbers for Mr. President, and the APC will continue to remain united in Benue State,” Alia said.
Addressing concerns over tensions generated by the party’s recent primaries, Alia described the disagreements as a normal part of the democratic process, expressing optimism that aggrieved party members would soon reconcile.
“There have been some agitations from APC faithful after the primaries, but I believe they will calm down. Mr. President is a democrat who understands these processes. We worked together to build the APC, and I am confident we will remain one family,” he added.
Beyond politics, Governor Alia said discussions with the President focused extensively on security and development in Benue State.
He disclosed that President Tinubu sought updates on the security situation, particularly the condition of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the return of displaced communities to their ancestral homes, and measures being taken to safeguard farmers during the ongoing planting season.
According to the governor, security has improved considerably compared to previous months.
“Previously, we had a lot of insecurity, but it has calmed down. The President wanted to know the position of the IDPs and whether those voluntarily returning home still have anxieties,” he explained.
Alia also said the President showed keen interest in efforts to strengthen agriculture in Benue, popularly known as Nigeria’s food basket, stressing the importance of creating a safe environment for farmers to boost food production.
The governor described the state’s security situation as “relatively calm” and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between the federal and state governments would further restore peace and stability.
He also appreciated President Tinubu for honouring the state’s recent Benue at 50 celebration, describing the visit as a landmark moment.
During the visit, the President inaugurated the Benue State Fruit Concentrate Processing Factory, while a beer factory and a fruit juice processing plant are expected to be commissioned soon as part of the state’s industrialisation drive.
Governor Alia further noted that First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu commissioned 10 urban renewal roads during her visit, describing the projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure and economic development.
He said the meeting with the President provided an opportunity to present updates on governance, ongoing development projects and the progress Benue has made toward improved security, economic growth and sustainable development.
