RismadarVoice Reporters, February 22, 2026
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has commended the peaceful, orderly 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 exercise while briefing journalists at the party secretariat in Makurdi. He attributed the success of the congresses to the cooperation of security agencies, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), party stakeholders, and the party’s Caretaker Committee.
“We are the ward/LG state committee set up by the National Working Committee to conduct the congresses. For us here, we have concluded, and we sincerely thank the security agencies, INEC staff, and party officials statewide for their cooperation,” Musa said.
He also commended Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia for providing guidance on conducting the exercise peacefully, in line with the party’s constitution and regulations.
Addressing reports of a parallel congress, Musa dismissed the claims, insisting that his committee was the only body mandated by the APC National Working Committee to conduct the exercise in Benue State.
“As far as we are concerned, we are within our mandate. The results have been duly returned and collected. This committee is the only genuine committee for Benue State,” he stated.
Musa explained that while the congresses are elective in accordance with the APC constitution, provisions for consensus were respected where applicable.
“Yes, the ward and local government congresses are elective. However, where there is consensus, affirmation confirms that consensus,” he added.
He noted that monitoring visits to Makurdi, Tarka, and Gboko local government areas showed satisfactory security arrangements, orderliness, and party unity.
State APC Chairman, Benjamin Omale, also praised the committee’s professionalism, describing the congress as “a milestone in the history of Benue politics.”
Meanwhile, the Austin Agada-led faction of the party, loyal to Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, expressed appreciation to party members for their turnout. The faction affirmed the non-elective Local Government Party Executives for another four-year tenure.
In a statement, the faction described the process as orderly, peaceful, and transparent, reflecting discipline and unity within the party. It also acknowledged Senator Akume’s leadership and urged party executives to remain inclusive, transparent, and committed to strengthening grassroots structures.
