Benue Assembly Speaker, Emberga, secures overwhelming victory in APC Makurdi North primary election

By James Ike

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and member representing Makurdi North State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to contest the forthcoming general election after recording a sweeping victory in the party’s primary election.

Emberga polled 7,303 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Steven Dazo, who garnered 50 votes in the exercise conducted across the five council wards of the constituency.

The results from North Bank Ward I, North Bank Ward II, Clark Market Ward, Agan Ward and Mbala Ward were announced by the Returning Officer, Desmond Atov, who described the exercise as peaceful and orderly.

“Having scored the highest number of votes, Mr. Alfred Emberga is hereby declared winner and duly nominated candidate of the APC in line with the party’s constitution,” Atov declared.

Speaking shortly after the announcement of the results, Emberga thanked party members and constituents for the overwhelming support and confidence reposed in him.

“I feel highly honoured to emerge as the APC candidate to represent the people of Makurdi North in the forthcoming election. This victory is not just for me, but for the entire people of the constituency who have continued to support and believe in our leadership,” he said.

According to the Speaker, the outcome of the primary reflected the confidence the people have in his stewardship since he was elected in 2023.

“It was not an easy process, but the people have seen our commitment, our efforts and the work we are doing for the constituency. That is why they have once again entrusted me with this responsibility,” he added.

Emberga listed some of his achievements in office to include the construction and rehabilitation of boreholes, support for schools and churches, as well as empowerment programmes targeted at improving the welfare of constituents.

“In the last three years, we have sunk nearly 40 boreholes across the constituency, rehabilitated several others, supported educational institutions, carried out empowerment programmes and impacted lives positively.

“We are determined to do even more. By the time we conclude this journey in 2031, we hope to have executed hundreds of people-oriented projects that will further improve the living conditions of our people,” he stated.

The Speaker also praised the APC primary process, describing it as transparent and credible, while attributing the massive turnout of party members to the performance of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.

“The process was free and fair. The large turnout everywhere clearly shows that the people appreciate the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia. If the government was not delivering, the people would not come out in these numbers,” he said.

Emberga further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to address the lingering electricity challenge in the North Bank area of Makurdi, noting that he facilitated the repair of the armoured cable serving the community which the Governor graciously approved.

“For over 20 years, residents of North Bank have battled unstable electricity supply. Governor Alia approved immediate intervention, and contractors are already handling the project.

“Very soon, the electricity challenge in the area will become history. This administration is focused on putting the people first and improving their standard of living,” he added.