Benue APC group endorses Alia, Tinubu, cautions against ‘rainbow coalition’ - Punch Newspapers

The convener, Dr Dominic Alancha (m) addressing journalists at the press conference.

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Benue State have backed the re-election bids of Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu in 2027, while urging party members to avoid actions that could threaten the unity of the APC. The stakeholders, under the Concerned Benue APC Stakeholders and Strategic Alliance, made their position known at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday. The convener, Dr Dominic Alancha, who addressed the press, emphasised that the APC was bigger than any individual, leader, aspirant or political group, urging members to put the collective interest of the party above personal differences. He said, “The APC is bigger than any individual, leader, aspirant or political group. Personal disagreements should not be allowed to take precedence over the collective interest of the party.” Alancha, who acknowledged that he had earlier opposed Governor Alia’s re-election, said he reconsidered his stance after reviewing what he described as the broader interest of the party. He advised members who have grievances against the governor or the APC leadership to channel them through the party’s established organs and internal dispute-resolution mechanisms. “Members who have grievances against the governor or the party leadership should utilise the recognised organs and internal mechanisms of the APC rather than engage in activities that could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said. He said any alleged breach of the party’s constitution or rules should be addressed by the appropriate authorities through due process, irrespective of the position or influence of those involved. Why APC govs oppose Wike — Tinubu’s ex-spokesman Minister warns envoys against unguarded comments ahead of 2027 elections South-East APC backs govs, condemns Wike’s attacks Alancha said the group backed the Alia administration, arguing that its performance in office provided grounds for the governor to pursue a second term. He also expressed support for President Tinubu’s re-election, stating that members of the group would mobilise support for both the President and the governor ahead of the 2027 elections. The APC stakeholders called on party elders, leaders and members across Benue to unite and settle their differences through dialogue and the party’s established structures. Alancha further urged the APC leadership to uphold the supremacy of the party’s constitution and ensure that disciplinary actions, when required, were carried out fairly and in line with established procedures. He appealed to Governor Alia to remain focused on governance and the implementation of his administration’s programmes, while encouraging party members to concentrate on mobilising support ahead of the 2027 elections. The group further appealed to members associated with different political camps to embrace reconciliation, warning against what it described as a “rainbow coalition” that could undermine the party’s unity. He said, “Our position is simple: the party must come first, Benue must come first, and all stakeholders should work towards strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.” The rift between APC governors and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike centres on rainbow coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, with the governors backing all APC candidates while Wike supports President Tinubu but retains the freedom to back non-APC candidates in other contests. Abdulrahman Zakariyau Abdulrahman is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with nearly a decade of professional experience covering political parties, elections, religion, civil society organizations, and the Nigeria Governors Forum. He is also a development and strategic communication expert, skilled at analyzing complex issues and delivering impactful narratives. Abdulrahman’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to informative and insightful journalism.

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