Benue gov promises Tinubu 620,000 votes

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has pledged to secure at least 620,000 votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, aiming to double the President's 2023 vote count in the state. Alia made this commitment after a meeting with Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During the February 2023 presidential election, Tinubu narrowly won Benue State with 310,468 votes, just over Peter Obi's 308,372. This outcome marked a shift in the state's political landscape, traditionally a stronghold for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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I am very confident that as I won the election, even the first time, we are going to double the numbers for him.

Governor Alia also updated President Tinubu on the security situation in Benue, the status of internally displaced persons, and the current farming season. He highlighted improvements in security and discussed the voluntary return of IDPs, while also addressing ongoing anxieties.

The governor was accompanied by former Governor Gabriel Suswam, whose recent alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a key topic. Alia emphasized that Suswam's stature warranted a direct interface with the President. Despite acknowledging some internal APC tensions following recent primaries, Alia expressed confidence in the party's unity and prospects in Benue.

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I am here with the former Governor of the state, Senator Gabriel Suswam, who also joined ranks with the APC. Someone in the big three of his stature requires that he interfaces with Mr President directly as well.