The Ward and Local Government (LG) Congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Benue State last Saturday have been declared free, fair, and hitch-free by the party’s officially mandated Congress Committee.
The Committee, which supervised the Ward and LG Congresses across the state, maintained that it was the only body authorised by the APC national secretariat to conduct the exercise in Benue. The declaration was made on Sunday at the party’s state secretariat following the submission of results from all 276 council wards and 23 Local Government Areas.
Speaking shortly after receiving the compiled results, a member of the Ward/LG Congress Committee, Bala Mariga, dismissed parallel claims by factions announcing separate congress outcomes. His remarks came amid reports that a faction led by Austin Agada had allegedly released results of congresses it conducted in the state.
“We are the only committee sent by the party to conduct the congresses in all the local government areas of Benue State,” Mariga said. “We operated strictly within our mandate, received official materials, conducted the exercise accordingly, and have now duly collected and returned all results. This committee remains the only legitimate congress committee for Benue State.”
He added that members of the committee personally monitored the conduct of the congresses in Makurdi, Tarka, and Gboko Local Government Areas, expressing satisfaction with what they observed.
“I can say without reservation that we were impressed by the level of organisation, security arrangements, orderliness, and unity displayed by party members in the areas we visited. The APC family in Benue deserves commendation,” he stated.
Mariga further explained that both the ward and local government congresses had been successfully concluded, culminating in the final collation of results on Sunday afternoon.
“We thank Almighty God for making the entire process peaceful, transparent, and free of violence or rancour. With the completion of result collection today, the APC Ward and LG Congresses in Benue State have officially come to an end,” he said.
The Committee expressed appreciation to security agencies, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and party officials across the state for their cooperation throughout the exercise.
Mariga also conveyed the Committee’s gratitude to Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State, for his guidance, support, and warm reception, urging the state party leadership to formally relay their appreciation.
In the same vein, he commended the APC State Chairman, Benjamin Omale, alongside party officials and members, for their support, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the congresses.
Earlier, Omale lauded the Congress Committee for its commitment and transparency, assuring them of the party’s continued cooperation.
“Throughout your stay, we observed your dedication and sincerity. Benue State stands with you and remains grateful for your support,” Omale said. “We also appreciate His Excellency, the Governor, for creating an enabling environment that allowed the congresses to be conducted smoothly.”