A jubilant crowd of supporters, political stakeholders and members of the Benue Motorcycle Association (BEMOA) on Saturday trooped to the Gyado Junction Underpass in Gboko to accord a heroic welcome to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Gboko East State Constituency, Comrade Terfa Aha, following the successful completion of his nomination process at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja.
The reception, organised by the people of Gboko East State Constituency and BEMOA, celebrated Comrade Terfa Aha’s successful filling, submission and confirmation of his nomination forms, which have also been uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. Thousands of enthusiastic supporters converged at the Gyado Junction Underpass to receive the APC standard-bearer, who also serves as the President of BEMOA. The colourful procession moved through major streets of Gboko before terminating at his residence in Tomahar, Gboko South, amid songs, cheers and widespread jubilation.
The event attracted a large turnout of party faithful, community leaders, youth groups, BEMOA executives, supporters from across Gboko Local Government Area and well-wishers from different parts of Benue State, all of whom gathered to celebrate what they described as a victory for the people. Speaking during the reception, party stakeholders, APC elders, executives, youth leaders and BEMOA chairmen unanimously expressed gratitude to God for the successful conclusion of the nomination process. They also appreciated the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whom they credited for standing by the consensus decision of the party despite earlier speculations that the ticket had been taken away.
In his address, Comrade Terfa Aha thanked his supporters for their prayers, patience and confidence throughout the process. He acknowledged that the journey was challenging but noted that with God’s grace, the steadfast support of his benefactor and father, Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and the prayers of his supporters, every obstacle was overcome. He explained that his delayed return after collecting the nomination forms was due to his determination to ensure that every stage of the process was duly completed, including the successful submission of the forms at the APC National Headquarters and their upload to the INEC portal.
“I deliberately remained behind to ensure that every requirement was completed successfully before returning home. Today, I am delighted to inform my people that I have officially emerged as the APC candidate for Gboko East State Constituency,” he said.
Supporters at the event offered prayers of thanksgiving to God and expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for his support. They reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising support for Comrade Terfa Aha, Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. The celebration, marked by singing, dancing and widespread jubilation, concluded at approximately 5:30 p.m., bringing to a close a memorable homecoming for the APC flag bearer.
