February 19, (THEWILL) — The National Chairman of the Ward/LGA Congress Committee for Benue State, Dr Alwalu Ishiye, has commended party members for the peaceful, transparent, and orderly conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses held across the 276 council wards in the 23 local government areas of the state.
Doctor Ishiye made the disclosure after leading a high-level monitoring team to several congress centres in Makurdi, while reviewing situation reports submitted by field supervisors deployed to other local government areas of the state.
The committee, during the inspection tour, visited LGEA Primary School, Kpege, in Mbalagh Council Ward, where accreditation and voting were ongoing smoothly, with a massive turnout of enthusiastic party faithful.
At St. Mary’s Primary School, North Bank Ward II and Wailomayo Council Wards, the exercise was observed to be calm, well-organised, and conducted strictly in compliance with party guidelines and procedures.
Similarly, at Agan Council Ward, election materials were confirmed to have arrived early and were promptly distributed to officials, while voting was already at the time the monitoring team arrived.
The delegation also inspected the Fiidi Council Ward at Modern Market, as well as Wadata, Bar, and Ankpa wards within Makurdi metropolis, all of which recorded impressive participation, efficient coordination, and peaceful conduct throughout the process.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, Dr Ishiye expressed deep satisfaction with the discipline, unity, and commitment demonstrated by party members across the state.
“From what we have personally witnessed in Makurdi and reports reaching us from across the state, the congresses have been peaceful, credible, and exceptionally well-organised”, he said.
According to him, the massive turnout, timely distribution of materials, and strict adherence to guidelines clearly reflect the democratic strength, unity, and maturity of the party in the state.
He further disclosed that similar positive reports were received from Gboko, Guma, Gwer East, Gwer West, Buruku, Tarka, Konshisha, Ushongo, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum, Kwande, Vandeikya, Otukpo, Oju, Obi, Okpokwu, Ohimini, Apa, Ado, and Agatu local government areas, where the exercise was largely peaceful and hitch-free.
On his part, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, who also monitored the congresses in Makurdi, praised party members for their orderly conduct and strong commitment to democratic processes.
He described the peaceful atmosphere witnessed during the exercise as a clear indication of political maturity among party faithful and citizens of the state.
“What we have seen today demonstrates that our people believe in democratic values and internal party discipline”, the Speaker stated.
According to him, the level of organisation, transparency, and unity displayed shows that the party remains firmly rooted at the grassroots, and commended the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for providing purposeful leadership that has fostered unity, stability, and confidence within the party.
“The peaceful conduct of the congresses reflects the governor’s inclusive leadership style and his consistent commitment to strengthening democratic institutions in the state. It is a product of visionary leadership, political inclusiveness, and the confidence that party members have in the administration of His Excellency”, he added.
The Chairman of Makurdi Local Government, Hon. Joseph Keffi, described the congresses as transparent, credible, and highly participatory, noting that the large turnout demonstrated widespread confidence in party leadership and internal processes.
In his remarks, former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and current State Coordinator of the Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda, Amb. Dr Terhemen Tarzoor, commended both party members and the congress committee for ensuring a smooth and peaceful exercise.
“What we have seen across wards is highly encouraging and speaks volumes about the unity within our party. APC in Benue remains strong, cohesive, and well-positioned for future political engagements”, Tarzoor stated.
