The Benue State Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election, becoming the first legislative group in the 10th Assembly to formally declare support for the president's re-election bid.
The endorsement was announced during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. Senator Titus Zam of Benue North-West, speaking on behalf of the caucus, stated that the decision was based on what they described as Tinubu's "transformative leadership" and numerous federal interventions in Benue State since he assumed office in May 2023.
Senator Zam was joined by Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East) and ten APC members of the House of Representatives from Benue during the announcement.
Infrastructure Projects Highlighted
The lawmakers highlighted several infrastructure projects attributed to the Tinubu administration that have benefited Benue State. These include the 465-kilometre Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, reconstruction of the Makurdi–Aliade–Otukpo–Enugu Road, and the dualization of the 9th Mile–Otukpo–Makurdi Road.
Other significant projects mentioned were the ₦83.8 billion Buruku Bridge across the Katsina-Ala River, rehabilitation of the Oju–Cross River federal road, and construction of a flyover at Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi.
Health, Education, and Housing Initiatives
The caucus also pointed to improvements in health and education sectors, citing enhanced funding for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) and its teaching hospital. They noted the establishment of an Infectious Disease Control Centre in Vandeikya and a Federal College of Agricultural Technology in Opialu Ojapo as major achievements under Tinubu's administration.
In the housing sector, the lawmakers highlighted the construction of 250 housing units under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and approval of 1,000 more units under the Pulaku Resettlement Initiative.
Financial Support and Security Concerns
According to the caucus, the Federal Government has disbursed ₦44 billion to Benue State, comprising ₦5 billion in post-subsidy removal funds, ₦9 billion in infrastructure support, and ₦30 billion under the Subnational Intervention Fund.
On security matters, while commending President Tinubu's efforts, the lawmakers urged the Benue State Government to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies. They called for enhanced intelligence gathering and community engagement to address persistent insecurity in parts of the state.
"As representatives of the people, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting President Tinubu and the nation's security forces in their efforts to restore peace and stability in Benue State," Senator Zam stated.
The lawmakers pledged to use their legislative powers to push for further interventions and support displaced farmers and communities affected by violence across the state.
