The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue South Senatorial District has inaugurated a 510-member Elders’ Forum and formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
The forum, launched over the weekend in Otukpo, consists of five elders selected from each of the 102 wards in the district. The gathering drew party leaders from ward, local government, zonal, and state levels, alongside thousands of supporters. Political observers described the event as one of the most significant political mobilisations in the state ahead of the 2027 polls.
During the ceremony, the forum also passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, recognising him as the undisputed leader of the party in Benue and the North Central zone.
Benue South APC Zonal Chairman, Bishop Pinot Ogbaji, said the forum was created to stabilise the party, strengthen internal unity, and address what he described as “avoidable rancour” that has recently affected the political atmosphere in the state. He stated that the Elders’ Forum would guide party members, protect collective interests, and offer strategic direction.
Party leaders at the event reviewed the APC’s difficult journey before the 2023 elections, when it held no major elective positions in Benue. They recalled how the party, under the influence of Senator Akume and State Chairman Comrade Austin Agada, rose from political obscurity to win the presidency, the governorship, 10 of the 11 House of Representatives seats, and 23 of the 30 State Assembly seats.
Stakeholders expressed concern that the current approach of Governor Hyacinth Alia toward the party structure is threatening the unity that produced those victories. They warned that divisions could weaken the APC’s strength if left unaddressed.
Chairman of the Elders’ Forum, Hon. Agbo Ogah, said the forum would work to keep the APC firmly rooted in Benue South and provide moral guidance to younger politicians. He said the elders would not allow the party to slip into internal crisis, noting concerns about the governor’s alleged indifference to party supremacy.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the SGF, Comrade Agada urged party members to remain loyal to President Tinubu and the APC leadership. He highlighted federal appointments given to Benue South indigenes and ongoing projects across the state as signs of the President’s commitment to the region.
Speaking to journalists, Agada said the massive turnout at the event showed confidence in the Akume-led leadership and expressed optimism that the momentum would translate into victories in 2027.
The forum also passed a vote of confidence on Agada, describing him as a “bridge-builder” and “the engine room holding the party together.”
Some of the prominent figures inaugurated into the forum include Ralph Igbago, David Idoko, James Ochojila, Comrade Abba Yaro, Chief Sylva Ameh, Prof. Christopher Ebute, Dr. Mathias Oyigeya, Adamu Entonu, Prof. John Enyi, Barr. Onazi, Joshua Saleh, Jacob Ajene, Prof. Christy Ekoja, Arc. Anthony Obekpa and Lady Kate Ijogi.