Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue state has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election held across the state on Thursday.
The governor secured a total of 367,786 votes to defeat Terwase Ornunde, his closest challenger who polled 3,247 votes, while Jeffery Kuranun, another aspirant scored 2,923 votes.
The result was officially announced on Friday at the APC State Secretariat in Makurdi by Prof. Mohammed Isah, the returning officer for the exercise.
Prof. Isah explained that the figures announced represented the consolidated results from all 23 local government areas of the state.
He said, “What we are declaring here is a summary of the entire results as recorded in the various LGAs of the state.”
The returning officer declared governor Alia winner after scoring the highest number of lawful votes cast in the exercise, in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
He said, “Governor Hyacinth Alia, having satisfied the requirements of the party and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner of the election and stands nominated as the APC governorship candidate.”
Reacting to his victory, Governor Alia expressed appreciation to God and members of the APC for what he described as renewed confidence in his leadership.
He said, “I am an uncommon ideologist. I am for the masses, and I will remain with the masses.”
The governor also commended other aspirants for participating in what he described as a peaceful and democratic process, urging them to work with him for the development of the state.
He called on aggrieved aspirants to close ranks with his administration, stressing the need for unity in the interest of Benue State.
Alia further highlighted his administration’s achievements over the last three years and pledged continued commitment to policies aimed at improving governance and citizens’ welfare.