From Samson Kukwa-Yanor, Makurdi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state winner of the party’s governorship primary election.

The declaration has put to rest days of anxiety and speculation surrounding Governor Alia’s participation in the primary after rumours circulated on the social media alleging that his name was missing from the list of screened aspirants.

Announcing the results at the state secretariat of the APC in Makurdi on Friday, Chairman and Chief Returning Officer of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, Mohammed Isa, said Governor Alia scored 367,786 votes to beat his co-contestants, Jeffrey Kuraun who scored 2,923 votes and Terwase Orbunde with 3,247 votes.

In line with the APC governorship primary election guidelines. Solomon Wombo who is the member representing Katsina-Ala/Logo/Ukum Federal Constituency and representative of Benue North-East Senatorial District moved a motion for the adoption of the result.

He was seconded by Nigeria’s former ambassador to Namibia Dr Terhemen Tarzoor.

Also speaking, Wilfred Adagene, a close ally of the governor who represented Benue South Senatorial District at the event, affirmed the motion and described the declaration as a true reflection of the outcome witnessed during the primary election.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Alia expressed gratitude to God and the people of Benue State for giving him another opportunity to serve.

“I am grateful to God for His benevolence and for the opportunity to continue serving Benue State,” the governor said.

He commended the other aspirants for participating in the exercise and thanked President Bola Tinubu and the APC national leadership for ensuring a transparent process.

Governor Alia said he was encouraged by the support and appreciation shown by the people of the state, noting that his administration’s investments in roads, hospitals and other infrastructure projects had not gone unnoticed.

“When we were building hospitals and constructing roads, I did not know the people of Benue were watching and appreciative,” he stated.

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens, insisting that he remained committed to serving the masses. “I am here for you and I will continue to work for you,” he added.

Governor Alia also highlighted efforts by his administration to create employment opportunities, saying many young people in the state were already benefiting from companies established under his government.

Declaring confidence ahead of the 2027 governorship election, the governor described Benue as an APC in stronghold, adding that “a vote for me is a vote for the President.”