The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has stated it is open to collaborating with any political group or stakeholders committed to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. This clarification follows public criticism directed at several senior party members who attended a meeting at the home of former Governor Samuel Ortom, a leading figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement issued on Monday, the Benue APC emphasized that building broad-based support beyond party lines is essential for national development and consolidating the current administration’s achievements. The party asserted its intention to mobilise all Benue residents, regardless of political affiliation, to support President Tinubu’s renewal agenda in the next presidential election.
“The APC believes that national development and the consolidation of the gains already being recorded under President Tinubu’s leadership require broad-based support that transcends party lines,” said the statement signed by State Publicity Secretary Daniel Ihomun.
The meeting in question, reportedly held to discuss strategies for Tinubu’s second-term bid, involved prominent APC figures. Attendees included Dr. Mathias Byuan of the Federal Housing Authority, Chief Michael Kaase Aondokaa (SAN), former Attorney General of the Federation, Barr. Pius Akutah, PhD, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, and Chief Sebastian Hon (SAN).
The APC’s statement seeks to frame the attendance of its members at the Ortom-hosted gathering as consistent with a pragmatic, issue-based approach rather than an act of political realignment. It reiterates that the party remains receptive to alliances with any group sharing the goal of advancing President Tinubu’s agenda.
This position highlights the fluidity of political alliances in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections, where cross-party cooperation on specific national issues may coexist with formal party opposition. For the APC in Benue—a state with significant electoral weight—the emphasis is on prioritising the president’s re-election over strict partisan loyalty. The party’s stance suggests a strategic focus on building a wide coalition to secure victory, while navigating the sensitivities of its members engaging with opposition figures.
The development underscores the complex dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape, where personal relationships and strategic calculations often intersect with formal party structures as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
