The North-Central National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mu’azu Rijau, has said the party will adopt the direct primary method for its elections in Benue State.
Rijau made the clarification during a reconciliation meeting held in Makurdi on Sunday.
This was contained in a statement released on Tuesday by the Benue State APC Chairman, Benjamin Omale, and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
According to Omale, the zonal chairman addressed concerns within the party over alleged plans to give automatic tickets to some aspirants ahead of the primaries.
Rijau said the APC in Benue had remained one family and would follow party directives and the provisions of the Electoral Act in conducting its primaries.
“Right from 2022 and 2023 when we took over power, we have been one family, and today we are all back to the fold as one united family,” Rijau stated.
“Principally, like I mentioned, based on party directives and the provisions of the Electoral Act, the mode of primaries should be consensus or direct. Initially, we decided to adopt direct primaries in Benue State, and that remains the decision.”
The clarification is expected to ease tension among aspirants and party members who had raised concerns over the possibility of automatic tickets.
Omale commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the reconciliation meeting, describing it as a major step towards rebuilding unity and strengthening the APC in Benue State.
He said the President’s action showed his commitment to the people of the state and the growth of the party.
“I thank President Bola Tinubu for initiating the reconciliation meeting. This singular act shows how Mr President values and loves Benue State and its people,” Omale said.
He added that the meeting had helped to calm disagreements and bring stakeholders together ahead of the party’s internal elections.
The state chairman also reaffirmed the loyalty of the Benue APC to Tinubu and assured him of the party’s support.
“We assure the President of our total commitment and loyalty always. Benue is all for you,” he added.
Omale said the state chapter of the party would continue to work in line with the President’s vision and support his agenda for Benue and the country.
Omale also praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as his commitment to unity and peace within the APC in the state.
According to him, the governor’s leadership has helped to strengthen the party across Benue.
“The governor’s unwavering support, commitment to unity, and leadership in the party have continued to bring growth and strength to our party across the state,” Omale said.
He also acknowledged Alia’s role in creating a conducive atmosphere for the reconciliation meeting and aligning with the President’s agenda for the state’s development.
The party chairman urged members and stakeholders to remain united as the APC prepares for its primaries and future elections in the state.
