By Our Correspondent

National News – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating a peace and reconciliation meeting held in Makurdi, the state capital, on Sunday, aimed at resolving internal disputes within the party.

The meeting, which took place at the Government House Banquet Hall, brought together key stakeholders including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia following rising tensions over automatic tickets ahead of forthcoming primaries.

Convened under the President’s intervention, the dialogue focused on restoring unity, reducing factional divisions, and strengthening the party ahead of future elections.

The discussions also emphasized adherence to party constitution and Electoral Act provisions governing candidate selection.

Benue APC Chairman Benjamin Omale described the intervention as a significant step toward party cohesion, saying it demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to peace and the development of Benue State.

He pledged the party’s loyalty to the President and praised Governor Alia for fostering unity and providing a stable environment for reconciliation.

Omale urged members to close ranks and support ongoing reconciliation efforts across the state chapters.

Also speaking, APC North-Central Vice Chairman Alhaji Mu’azu Rijau said the party had resolved its internal differences and reaffirmed its unity.

He clarified that the APC would conduct direct primaries in Benue State in line with party guidelines and the Electoral Act, putting to rest debates over automatic tickets for legislative aspirants.

He noted that while consensus remains an option, direct primaries had been adopted as the prevailing mode in the state.

The reconciliation meeting, held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi, marked a renewed effort to consolidate the party ahead of future elections, with leaders expressing optimism about sustained peace and cooperation.

Party leaders expressed confidence that the peace deal would reduce internal rivalry and improve the APC’s chances in upcoming elections.

The move was widely described as a strategic step to stabilize Benue APC political structure. Stakeholders also called for sustained dialogue to prevent future leadership disputes within the party.