The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has commended the orderly and peaceful conduct of its ward and local government congresses held across the state on Saturday.
Chairman of the Ward and Local Government Congress Committee, Usman Musa, expressed satisfaction with the process while briefing journalists at the party secretariat in Makurdi.
He attributed the success to the cooperation of security agencies, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, party officials, and the Caretaker Committee.
Musa said, “We are the ward/LG state committee set up by the National Working Committee, NWC, to come and conduct the congresses. But for us here, we have concluded, and we thank most sincerely the cooperation of security agencies, INEC staff, and party officials statewide.”
He also praised Governor Rev. Father Alia for his guidance, noting that the governor counselled the committee on conducting the congresses peacefully and within the party’s laws and regulations.
Addressing claims of a parallel congress, Musa affirmed, “We are the only group sent to conduct congresses for all local government areas in Benue State.
“As far as we are concerned, we are within the mandate… the results are perfectly returned and we have collected the same, so I gladly tell you, this committee is the only genuine committee for Benue State.”
Musa added that while the congresses are elective by the APC constitution, provisions for consensus are respected, saying, “Where there is consensus, affirmation confirms consensus.”
He noted that monitoring visits to Makurdi, Tarka, and Gboko left him satisfied with security arrangements, orderliness, and party unity.
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State APC Chairman Benjamin Omale also praised the committee for its professionalism and integrity, describing the congress as “a milestone in the history of Benue politics.”
Meanwhile, the Austin Agada-led faction loyal to SGF Senator George Akume acknowledged the turnout and affirmed the non-elective Local Government Party Executives for another four-year tenure.
In a statement, the faction described the conduct as “orderly, peaceful, and transparent,” and urged party executives to remain “inclusive, transparent, and committed to strengthening the party’s structures at the grassroots.”
SGF Akume was commended for his leadership and stabilising influence within the Benue APC.