By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

In a strategic move to consolidate his administration’s grassroots presence and strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2027, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, over the weekend hosted two major political events in Makurdi; a pre-decamping dinner at the Government House and an expanded caucus meeting of the party, where he unveiled 23 “Pointmen” for the state’s local government areas.

The political atmosphere in the state capital was charged with excitement on Friday, October 10, as political actors across party lines gathered at the Government House for a dinner organized by the APC in honour of prominent sons and daughters of Benue who have indicated their interest to join the ruling party.

Governor Alia described the event as a gathering of fellowship and dialogue aimed at strengthening bonds, reviewing progress, and mapping out strategies for the collective growth and development of the state. He reiterated his commitment to rebuilding Benue through inclusive governance and transparency, emphasizing that the task of repositioning the state transcends political affiliations.

According to him, his administration’s decision to take a loan for the first time was borne out of the need to complete ongoing infrastructural projects across the state and assured that government remained committed to offsetting inherited debts while maintaining fiscal discipline.

“This administration will continue to fight for the soul of Benue State. Our collective effort is needed to rebuild our land and restore the dignity of our people,” he declared.

Several political leaders who spoke at the event praised the governor’s leadership style and achievements within a short period.

The member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Hon. Pastor Ojotu Ojema, said his decision to join the APC was inspired by Governor Alia’s transformational strides in infrastructure and regular payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities.

Similarly, former Director General of the National Agency Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii, said the state had become a “construction site” under Alia, while former Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ngunan Addingi, pledged to mobilize women and youths to support the administration’s programmes.

In their separate remarks, Professors Steven Ugba and Eugene Aliegba applauded the governor for facilitating their federal appointments and described his administration as a true agent of change.

Also speaking, the State APC Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, attributed the rising popularity of the party to the governor’s performance across sectors and assured new entrants of equal opportunities within the APC.

On his part, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Hon. Solomon Wombo, explained that the dinner was a prelude to the formal defection of politicians from various political parties into the ruling APC in the coming days.

Barely 24 hours after the dinner, the governor convened an expanded caucus meeting of the APC in Makurdi, which attracted party elders, legislators, appointees, and stakeholders from all 23 local government areas. The meeting, held at Soft Arena Hall, was marked by renewed enthusiasm and a sense of purpose as Governor Alia announced the appointment of 23 “Pointmen,” also known as Gubernatorial Liaison Officers (GLOs), to coordinate political and administrative activities across the local government areas.

Addressing the gathering, the governor explained that the appointments were meant to bridge communication gaps and strengthen coordination between his administration, the party, and the grassroots. He said each Pointman would serve as a chief servant and direct link between the government and the people.

“If there is need, you should be the first person, your people should be able to smell you. We are taking the leverage to appoint these headmen as pointmen. They are chief servants who must report to me and to the party what is happening in their LGAs. Work in conjunction with all appointees, local government chairmen, elders, and advisory councils to establish camaraderie and friendship,” Alia told the pointmen.

The newly apponted pointmen include Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo for Ado, Hon. Dr. Ojema Ojotu for Agatu, Emmanuel Yahaya Eigege for Apa, Hon. Alex Addingi for Buruku, and Hon. Jir Joseph Ter for Gboko. Others are Dr. Hwande Terungwa Stephen for Guma, Engr. Terhemba David Nongo for Gwer East, Prof. Eugene Aliegba for Gwer West, Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo for Katsina-Ala, Engr. Dr. Livinus Adzer Tsar for Konshisha, and Chief Moses Ternenge for Kwande. Also appointed were Hon. Barr. Vangerber Uhamber for Logo, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga for Makurdi, Chief Hon. Benjamin Omale for Ohimini, Hon. Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue for Okpokwu, Hon. Linda Ene Agada for Ogbadibo, Hon. Ikong Cyril Ijebe for Oju, Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo for Obi, Hon. Barr. Sam Ode, mni for Otukpo, Ashirga Roy Terna for Tarka, Hon. Dr. Benjamin Ashaver for Ukum, Hon. Aondo Terkula Solomon for Ushongo, and Alh. Ihongo Abubakar Aseer for Vandeikya.

The twin events, held over the weekend, have been described by political observers as a strategic consolidation of Governor Alia’s political structure across the state. With the defection of major political figures and the unveiling of the 23 Pointmen, the governor is seen as deepening his influence both within the APC and across Benue’s political landscape.

The developments are expected to further unify the party, strengthen grassroots engagement, and position the APC as the most organized and dominant political force in Benue ahead of the 2027 elections.