Benue Governor Alia Meets President Tinubu, Calls for Party Unity
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia said on Monday that he is confident the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state will overcome the disagreements that followed its recent primary elections.
The governor spoke with State House correspondents after a closed‑door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Alia explained that the visit came amid discontent within the Benue APC after the party replaced some of his political allies on the final list of National Assembly candidates submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite the tensions, Alia expressed optimism that aggrieved members would embrace reconciliation and work for the ruling party.
“I know there are some agitations from APC faithful after the primaries, but I believe it will calm down. Mr President is a democrat who understands this,” Alia said.
He added that President Tinubu’s grassroots orientation and experience would help the party navigate its internal differences.
The governor also pledged to improve Tinubu’s electoral performance in Benue, stating he expects to double the votes the president received in the state during the 2023 election.
Alia noted that the meeting with the President covered politics, security, and humanitarian challenges in Benue.
He said he visited Tinubu to thank him for attending the Benue at 50 celebrations and for inaugurating projects in the state, and to provide an updated situation report on the entire state.
Regarding security, Alia told the President that conditions have improved, but concerns remain over the return of internally displaced persons to their communities, especially as the farming season progresses.
Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam accompanied Governor Alia to the meeting with President Tinubu.
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