Shaping Benue’s 2027 future through grassroots solidarity, reconciliation

He acknowledged that reforms in governance often come with resistance, especially when tackling entrenched corruption and systemic inefficiencies. “Any administration that speaks reforms puts itself in harm’s way… corruption fights back,” he stated, adding that despite the challenges, his government remains committed to changing the status quo and improving the lives of citizens.

He emphasized that governance must reflect the will of the majority while balancing competing needs, stressing that development projects, security, and welfare remain top priorities.

Highlighting achievements since assuming office in 2023, the governor said insecurity had been significantly reduced from 17 affected local government areas to six, with support from the federal government and security agencies.

He also listed key strides in infrastructure, education, and industrial revival, including road construction projects, waterworks rehabilitation, and the establishment of processing factories.

This is an administration that has made basic education from Primary 1 to JSS 3 tuition-free and employed 9,700 teachers, paying salaries and pensions promptly, and making efforts to improve pension benefits.

“I am a governor because you are. And I will continue to work for you,” Alia said as he reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, urging citizens to contribute constructively to the development of the state.

The Chairman of the NUP in Benue State, Comrade Michael Terngu Vembe, said their gesture was in appreciation of the governor for prioritizing pensioners’ welfare, recalling that prior to the current administration, retirees often waited years before being enrolled on pension, citing his personal experience of a six-year delay after retirement.

“Today, those who retire are placed on pension almost immediately, and arrears and gratuities are being paid.” he said, adding that the union is confident that even those earning as low as N2,000 monthly will soon see improvements.

The President of BEMOA, Aha Terfa, said the association fulfilled a promise made in 2025 to support the governor’s re-election bid.

“We obtained the forms as a demonstration of our confidence in your leadership and our desire for continued progress,” he said, pledging mobilization of members across the state in support of the governor.

A surprised Deputy Governor of the state, Sam Ode described the purchase of the forms worth N50 million as “unprecedented” and a clear endorsement of the governor’s performance.

“This is indeed a novel action. No sitting governor in other states has enjoyed this kind of privilege from the masses,” he said of the gesture that was immediately followed by the long-awaited reconciliation of forces within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The meeting, held on May 3, 2026, at the instance of the governor, brought together SGF George Akume, critical stakeholders including Senators, House of Representative, and State Assembly members.

It was an opportunity to face each other, voice out what has been bottled in, point fingers and shout at each other, and agree in peace and unity, and willing to collectively face the task of putting the interest of the APC and Benue State first.

Governor Alia led the atonement. He publicly apologised to all those who felt aggrieved by his actions and inactions. To him, as the leader of all in Benue State, ending the internal divisions, reconciliation, mutual respect, and understanding should be key to returning to the spirit of camaraderie that once defined the party in the state.

It was also an opportunity to tell all friends and foes alike of what the APC-led administration in Benue has achieved across key sectors, including education, health, and infrastructure. These are achievements that will drive the campaign for reelection in 2027. Achievements that have resonated with the downtrodden and all segments of the society, achievements that are putting Benue back to prosperity.

As governor Alia said during the reconciliation meeting, leadership demands the courage to mend fences and foster inclusiveness because Benue’s interest must always supersede individual ambitions.

Akume acknowledged the progress made during the meeting, particularly in addressing past grievances and promoting inclusiveness within the party, and commended the governor’s apology, describing it as critical towards ensuring genuine reconciliation

In essence, the meeting conveyed the broader expectation within party ranks of seeing elected officials in the state aligned with each other, working in unity, which is the cornerstone for political stability.

Former Governor Gabriel Suswam said the meeting has strengthened the APC instead of individual interests.

The major outcome is that party members had resolved their differences and recommitted themselves to a united front. They also agree to adhere to established guidelines regarding primary elections, with direct primaries adopted as the preferred mode in the state.

For Hon. David Okewu, the federal lawmaker representing Oju/Obi Constituency, peace and sacrifice are necessary in politics, urging party members to embrace unity for the overall development of Benue State. He was supported by Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo, who expressed very strong confidence in Governor Alia’s leadership, citing visible developmental progress across the state, and emphasizing that reconciliation should not be constrained by timelines.

The two events are significant moments as the APC shifts to face the future and begin the 2027 electioneering campaign with unshakeable optimism.