A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Daniel Onjeh, has congratulated Hyacinth Alia on his 60th birthday, describing him as a courageous, compassionate and visionary leader whose administration has renewed hope among the people of the state.

Onjeh, who was the APC Benue South senatorial candidate in the 2023 elections and is also a 2027 senatorial aspirant, said Governor Alia’s life at 60 reflects sacrifice, discipline, courage and commitment to the service of humanity.

The former chairman of the Governing Board of the Projects Development Institute, Enugu, said the governor has demonstrated an uncommon capacity for leadership in a short period in office, particularly in confronting difficult realities and defending the interests of ordinary citizens.

According to him, Governor Alia’s humility, simplicity and close connection with the grassroots have earned him widespread admiration among the people, many of whom now see him as a leader who understands their struggles and is committed to improving their welfare.

Onjeh noted that the governor has shown courage in taking difficult decisions and confronting entrenched interests in pursuit of justice, peace and development in the state.

He also commended the administration’s efforts in infrastructure development, security, workers’ welfare, rural inclusion and governance reforms, saying the initiatives have continued to inspire confidence despite the challenges facing the state.

The former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students described Alia as a leader driven by conviction and conscience rather than political theatrics, adding that his leadership has rekindled hope among many Benue residents seeking purposeful governance.

Onjeh said the governor’s 60th birthday provides an opportunity for reflection on leadership, sacrifice, public service and the responsibility of rebuilding institutions and restoring public trust.

He prayed for continued wisdom, strength, good health and divine guidance for the governor as he continues to steer the affairs of the state.

“Your courage, resilience, simplicity and commitment to justice continue to inspire many of us who believe in a better Benue. At sixty, you have proven that leadership anchored on conviction, compassion and fear of God can still make a difference in society,” Onjeh said.

Kabiru Bello Bandawaire, an aspirant for the Taraba North Senatorial District seat, has rejected the consensus arrangement being considered ahead of the All Progressives Congress, APC primaries, insisting on direct and transparent primaries.

Speaking with journalists on Friday in Jalingo, Bandawaire said his ambition was driven by the desire to represent the people rather than serve government interests.

He argued that the consensus option undermines democratic principles and warned against any form of interference in the process by Governor Agbu Kefas.

According to him, democracy thrives when party members are allowed to freely choose their candidates through open primaries.

“First and foremost, it is not about the government, it is about the people. I am representing the interest of the people.

“On this issue of consensus, I am not consenting to it at all. All I want is direct primaries, and direct primaries should be carried out under a transparent process. The beauty of democracy is that the majority is always welcome.” he said.

Hon. Kabiru Bello Bandawaire, an aspirant for the Taraba North Senatorial District seat, has rejected the consensus arrangement being considered ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, insisting on direct and transparent primaries.

Speaking with journalists on Friday in Jalingo, Bandawaire said his ambition was driven by the desire to represent the people rather than serve government interests.

He argued that the consensus option undermines democratic principles and warned against any form of interference in the process by Governor Agbu Kefas.

According to him, democracy thrives when party members are allowed to freely choose their candidates through open primaries.

“First and foremost, it is not about the government, it is about the people. I am representing the interest of the people,” he said.

“On this issue of consensus, I am not consenting to it at all. All I want is direct primaries, and direct primaries should be carried out under a transparent process. The beauty of democracy is that the majority is always welcome.”

Bandawaire also questioned why a serving three-term senator would prefer consensus over a competitive primary election.

“What is the fear about? If you opt for consensus in the primary election, what about the general elections? That is not democracy,” he stated.

The APC aspirant cautioned Governor Kefas against meddling in the party’s internal process, warning that such actions could have negative consequences.

He maintained that the governor should allow party members to decide their candidate through direct primaries without interference.

Responding to comments reportedly made during a recent stakeholders’ meeting that party primaries amount to a waste of resources, Bandawaire said funding the process was the responsibility of the party and not the state government.

“The party sold forms, we purchased forms. I purchased a form for N20,000,000, as did others, so the party has the responsibility to fund its activities, not the state government,” he said.

Bandawaire further challenged the governor to test the consensus arrangement by asking the incumbent senator representing the northern district to step down for him.

“Since I am not consenting to consensus, let the governor try whether the northern senator will consent to consensus by choosing me, and see whether he will agree. If he is not going to agree, why should I agree?” he added.

Bandawaire also questioned why a serving three-term senator would prefer consensus over a competitive primary election.

“What is the fear about? If you opt for consensus in the primary election, what about the general elections? That is not democracy,” he stated.

The APC aspirant cautioned Governor Kefas against meddling in the party’s internal process, warning that such actions could have negative consequences.

He maintained that the governor should allow party members to decide their candidate through direct primaries without interference.

Responding to comments reportedly made during a recent stakeholders’ meeting that party primaries amount to a waste of resources, Bandawaire said funding the process was the responsibility of the party and not the state government.

“The party sold forms, we purchased forms. I purchased a form for N20,000,000, as did others, so the party has the responsibility to fund its activities, not the state government,” he said.

He further challenged the governor to test the consensus arrangement by asking the incumbent senator representing the northern district to step down for him.

“Since I am not consenting to consensus, let the governor try whether the northern senator will consent to consensus by choosing me, and see whether he will agree. If he is not going to agree, why should I agree?” he added.