The Benue State National Assembly Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The Caucus made this known at a press conference to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for a second term in office, on Wednesday in Abuja.
In the same vein, the Caucus called for a synergy between the federal government and Benue State government in addressing the security challenges in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the members of the Benue NASS APC Caucus, the Chairman, Senator (Dr.) Titus Zam said the endorsement was fully established in the comprehensive assessment of President Tinubu’s performance and his transformative leadership style.
“We, the undersigned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly Caucus from Benue State – comprising two Senators out of three and ten out of the eleven House of Representatives members.
“Our endorsement is rooted in a comprehensive assessment of President Tinubu’s transformative leadership, his unwavering commitment to national development, and the tangible achievements recorded under his administration since May 29, 2023”, he said.
According to Senator Zam, under President Tinubu’s leadership, Benue State has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development, significantly enhancing connectivity and economic activities.
Highlighting Mr President’s notable Infrastructural development in the state, the lawmaker stated:
“Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway – Construction commenced on this 465-kilometer superhighway, enhancing connectivity and economic activities across the involved states.
“Makurdi-Aliade-Otukpo-Enugu Road – Reconstruction efforts are underway on this critical route, including the addition of a flyover at the Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi, aiming to improve transportation efficiency.
“Buruku Bridge over Katsina-Ala River: Approved at a cost of ₦83.8 billion, this twin bridge project will span 1.7 kilometers, facilitating better movement and trade in the region.
“9th Mile-Otukpo-Makurdi Road – The dualization of this strategic project aims to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Enugu, Makurdi, Abuja, and northern Nigeria.
“Oju–Cross River Federal Road – One of the most impactful interventions facilitated under the Tinubu administration is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Oju–Cross River federal road — a long-neglected but economically vital route linking Benue to the South-South region”.
According to him, these projects not only stimulate economic activities but also create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
In the areas of Housing and Social Welfare Initiatives, Senator Zam emphasized, “President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing housing deficits and improving social welfare:
“The construction of 250 affordable housing units in Benue State under the Renewed Hope Housing Estates program aims to provide decent accommodation for our citizens.
“The approval of 1,000 housing units in Benue State as part of the Pulaku initiative reflects a strategic approach to resolving conflicts and rehabilitating displaced persons.
“These initiatives are pivotal in fostering social cohesion and enhancing the quality of life for our people”.
The lawmaker said President Tinubu’s economic policies have significantly benefited Benue State in various areas including, “The allocation of ₦44 billion to Benue State, comprising ₦5 billion post-subsidy removal funds, ₦9 billion Infrastructure Fund, and ₦30 billion Subnational Intervention Fund, has bolstered the state’s capacity to implement developmental projects and provide palliatives to its citizens”.
He added that the administration’s fiscal reforms have led to a doubling of government revenues, reaching over ₦9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024, thereby enhancing the federal government’s ability to support state-level initiatives, noting that these financial interventions have been instrumental in driving economic growth and development within the state.
The Senator stated that President Tinubu’s significant strides had improved regional development, healthcare and education in Benue State.
He highlighted the regional developments in the state to include, “North Central Development Commission (NCDC), the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, Infectious Disease Control Centre in Vandeikya, and the Federal College of Agricultural Technology in Opialu Ojapo.
He said these developments are critical in enhancing the well-being and intellectual capital of our citizens.
Senator also spoke extensively on President Tinubu’s impacts in agricultural and economic development and commitment to National security and stability,
“In light of the aforementioned achievements, we, the Benue APC National Assembly Caucus, reaffirm our unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are confident that his visionary leadership will continue to propel Nigeria towards greater prosperity.
“We call upon all Nigerians, particularly the people of Benue State, to join us in endorsing President Tinubu for a second term. Let us join hands with this administration and collectively work towards a more secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria”, he said.
On the need for concerted efforts of the FG and Benue State government in tackling insecurity, the Caucus stated, “We use this privilege and platform to call on the Benue State government to as a matter of urgency step up her efforts towards using the available resources in safeguarding the people in collaboration with the Federal Government.
“The security personnel posted to Benue State need the support of the Federal government as well as the state government.
“President Tinubu has deployed forces and resources to the state government, the state needs to do more in this regard so that we can get the required results”.
Our Correspondent reports that the following Benue federal lawmakers attended the briefing, Senator Emmanuel Udende, Hon. Dickson Tarkigir, Hon. David Ogewu, Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, Hon. Terseer Ugbor and Hon. Asema Achado.
Others are Hon. Philip Agbese, Hon Sekav Iyoryom, Hon. Regina Akume, Hon. Blessing Onuh and Hon. Solomon Wombo.
