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Benue State is experiencing a remarkable political transformation, marked by a significant influx of prominent figures from rival parties into the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This wave of defections, far from being a mere political maneuver, has emerged as a resounding endorsement of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia’s governance style and the visible developmental strides under his administration.
The political landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, characterized by the massive influx of influential political figures. These include former Governor Sen. Dr. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, members of the National Assembly, current and former House of Representatives members, former State Commissioners, Assembly members, Special Advisers, and local government chairmen, alongside academics, political stalwarts, and grassroots leaders. This diverse group, spanning all 23 local government areas, represents a fundamental realignment of political loyalties driven by a shared conviction in the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda and the tangible progress recorded by Governor Alia.
Donald Kumnun, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, highlighted that this unprecedented cooperation transcends party lines. Suswam’s apparent endorsement of the Governor’s focus on service and unity is seen as a powerful indication of the administration’s impactful and broadly beneficial efforts. This convergence of political forces strengthens the Governor’s mandate, creating a stable environment conducive to attracting investments and executing long-term projects.
Governor Alia’s leadership has been praised for its performance-centric approach, focusing on measurable development in areas such as salary payments, infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, industrialization, humanitarian interventions, youth capacity building, and social programs. This has transformed erstwhile opponents into authentic advocates, lending credibility to the administration’s achievements. The presence of high-profile figures like Suswam, despite his roots in a different political party, amplifies the unifying power of Alia’s performance.
The Governor himself articulated the driving forces behind his administration during a recent APC-organized dinner to honor these new political allies. He described the gathering as a “fellowship of minds and hearts, united by a shared vision for a greater Benue,” shifting the narrative from opportunistic defection to a collective response to a higher call for state rebuilding. Alia emphasized that every project, reform, and loan is directed toward the singular goal of a greater Benue, a philosophy of shared ownership that sets aside political differences for the state’s greater good.
This groundswell of support brings immense prospects for both the APC and Governor Alia’s administration. For the APC, it transforms the party into a near-consensus political platform, ensuring deeper entrenchment across all senatorial zones and Local Government Areas, enhancing its capacity for effective mobilization and governance. The intellectual and political capital imported by the weight of these defectors strengthens the APC’s bench for future elections and policy advisory roles.
For Governor Alia, the political value of these defections adds immediate and profound benefits, showcasing his developmental efforts for all to see. His humility and directness were evident when he noted being “deeply encouraged by the words of our brothers and sisters from across party lines.” This influx of academics, seasoned public servants, and grassroots leaders enriches the administration with a richer pool of expertise for policy formulation and execution.
As Benue State continues to witness this tsunami of trust, Governor Alia’s leadership stands as a beacon of hope, uniting diverse political forces under a common purpose. The state’s political landscape is poised for a new era, with development and unity at its core, promising a brighter future for all its citizens.
