Alia Pledges 620,000 Votes For Tinubu In 2027 After Meeting President, Welcomes Suswam To APC
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has pledged to deliver at least 620,000 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, doubling the 310,468 votes the President secured in Benue State during the 2023 poll.
Governor Alia made the declaration on Monday while addressing journalists after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He was accompanied by former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam.
The governor said recent political developments in Benue, particularly Senator Suswam's decision to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), have strengthened the party's prospects ahead of the 2027 general election.
"I am very confident that as I won the election, even the first time, we are going to double the numbers for him. APC will continue to remain just one fold, one threshold, and we are going to make it good for him and for the entire Benue State as well," Alia said.
According to the governor, the meeting with the President also provided an opportunity to brief him on the security situation in Benue, the condition of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the ongoing farming season, and the political atmosphere in the state following the APC primaries.
Alia stated that security has improved significantly, noting that attacks have reduced while many displaced residents are gradually returning to their communities to resume farming activities.
Speaking on Senator Suswam's presence at the meeting, the governor described the former governor's decision to join the APC as a major political development that warranted a direct engagement with President Tinubu.
"I am here with the former Governor of the state, Senator Gabriel Suswam, who also joined ranks with the APC. Someone of his stature requires that he interfaces with Mr. President directly as well," he said.
The governor also acknowledged concerns expressed by some APC members following the party's recent primaries but expressed confidence that the grievances would be resolved through internal dialogue.
"I know there are some agitations from the very APC faithful after the primaries, but I believe it is going to calm down. Mr. President is a democrat who understands this. He is a grassroots person," he added.
Alia further said the visit afforded him the opportunity to appreciate President Tinubu for identifying with Benue State during the state's 50th anniversary celebration and to provide an update on ongoing developments across the state.
