Benue: Factional APC holds paralell state congress, affirms

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The factional All Progressives Congress (APC), in Benue State, has successfully conducted its State Congress, affirming Austin Agada-led State Executive Committee (EXCO) for another four-year tenure.

The Congress, which held simultaneously with the Omale-led faction, attracted statutory delegates, party leaders and stakeholders from across the state and was marked by unity, orderliness and a collective commitment to strengthening the party’s structures at all levels.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, said the State Congress followed previous success at the state and LGA congresses and further reinforced the cohesion of the Benue APC and its loyalty to the party’s national leadership.

In a show of solidarity, speakers unanimously pledged unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of the party, Sen George Akume and the Benue State APC chairman, Austin Agada.

They emphasised that the Benue APC remains united under the leadership structure anchored by Akume, noting that stability within the party was vital for sustained growth and electoral success.

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Iorwuese Hagher, harped on the importance of unity, discipline and loyalty within the party and called on members to close ranks and work collectively towards consolidating the gains of the APC in Benue State and beyond.

Hagher, who is the chairman of the State Congress, called on all delegates to return to their wards as ambassadors of unity and speak the language of reconciliation and defend the legitimacy of their structures.

He said: “Today is not just a congress but a restoration, a reaffirmation of our unity, acknowledgement of the pillars upon whose shoulders this party has risen. We pay special tribute to Senator Akume, the SGF.

“This congress is not about vengeance. It is not about settling scores. It is about reaffirmation and affirmation of our loyalty to the national leadership of our party.

“Political parties survive not because of individuals but because of institutions. When institutions are respected, democracy thrives. When they are undermined, instability follows. Today, we choose stability, unity and the future.”

Second Republic Senator and elder statesman, Dr Jack Tilley Gyado aligned with other stakeholders in declaring total support for President Bola Tinubu, Sen Akume and the Austin Agada-led exco, describing the current leadership as critical to the party’s stability and progress.

Other stakeholders, including Sen Titus Zam, Saater Tiseer, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, Dr. Mathias Byuan, Pius Akutah and Mrs. Patricia Kupchi reiterated similar sentiments of loyalty and commitment to the party’s leadership at both the state and national levels, urging all stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilisation across wards and local governments.

At the end of deliberations, a voice vote was conducted and in a unanimous decision, delegates affirmed the continuation of the Austin Agada-led State Executive Committee for another four-year term.