By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, have expressed differing views over the issue of automatic tickets for serving National and State Assembly members, following a reconciliatory meeting held in Makurdi.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday at the Government House after the meeting, Senator Akume insisted that all lawmakers elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the State Assembly to the National Assembly, should retain their seats, describing it as “automatic.”
The SGF, however, noted that the meeting resolved that Governor Alia should emerge as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election. He also stressed the need for inclusivity within the party to strengthen its chances in the upcoming polls.
“Where we went wrong, we want to correct it. We want everyone to have a place, and we want inclusiveness in this party. Secondly, the governor said he was sorry, which is commendable. He acknowledged what had happened, and those were part of the issues we discussed,” Akume said.
On his part, Governor Alia clarified that no agreement was reached on granting automatic tickets to lawmakers. According to him, the national leadership of the APC, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s National Chairman, has consistently maintained that there is no provision for automatic tickets.
“The resolution is beyond both of us because the APC has clearly stated, and Mr. President, as well as the National Chairman, have reiterated, that there is no automatic ticket. What the SGF expressed was a prayer and a passionate appeal for support for those currently serving,” Alia said.
He added that the appeal was directed at the electorate to decide whether to return the incumbents, rather than a binding resolution of the party.
The governor further explained that the meeting was convened to reconcile aggrieved members and restore unity within the party.
“I called for this meeting so that we could come together under one roof, reconcile, and find common ground to move the party forward for the development of the state and the nation. For those who felt aggrieved, I offered an apology on behalf of the party as a responsible leader,” he said.
Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, commended both leaders for embracing dialogue, describing the move as a step toward strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“What is important is that leaders have agreed to sit together and talk. A small committee has been set up to work out the details of what has been agreed. In due course, everything will become clearer. We are happy that we remain one family,” Suswam said.
Also speaking, Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, said the reconciliation was necessary to avert potential political consequences.
“We were a divided house, and we understand the implications of that. Today, we are united and ready to move forward. Peace has returned, and everyone is happy,” Udende stated.
The high-level stakeholders’ reconciliation meeting was held under tight security and is widely seen as a strategic move by the APC to consolidate its position in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
