The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has issued a cautionary statement to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia concerning actions that the forum perceives as detrimental to the party and the state as a whole, as well as the lack of regard for his political benefactor and other leaders.
The Forum has alleged that the governor did not participate in the peace initiatives organized by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the crisis within the Benue APC.
Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, the Forum’s Chairman, conveyed this warning to journalists in Jos, the capital of Plateau State. He expressed that the governor's actions display a lack of respect towards the president of the country, who also serves as the leader of the APC, the platform through which the governor secured victory in the 2023 election.
Zazzaga further claimed that Governor Alia rebuffed all efforts made by party stakeholders, including federal legislators and the paramount ruler of the state, to facilitate reconciliation. According to Zazzaga, the North Central APC is committed to preventing the governor from further destabilizing the party in the state. He emphasized that if the governor does not amend his actions, appropriate measures may be taken against him.
The Chairman stressed the governor's obligation to show respect to the APC leaders, the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and other party stakeholders. He warned that the governor's continued disregard towards party leaders and the overall interest of the party could weaken his support base within the party.
Zazzaga also cautioned Alia against aligning himself with forces that may be working against the APC, suggesting that he is free to leave the party if he chooses to do so. Moreover, he highlighted that the party is focused on unity and supporting the President's policies for the nation's long-term benefit.
Expressing concern about the conduct of the Benue State governor in contrast to other APC governors from the North Central region, Zazzaga conveyed a strong advisory for the governor to reconsider his approach.