By Daniel Aondoaseer Zendesha 

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia on Saturday presented Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Forms EC13E and EC9 to candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who have been successfully nominated and affirmed to contest seats in the Benue State House of Assembly.

The presentation took place at the APC State Secretariat, No. 75 J.S. Tarka Way, Makurdi, and marked another stage in the party's preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the candidates, Governor Alia urged them to remain focused, maintain close engagement with their constituents, and conduct issue-based campaigns that would strengthen democratic participation and promote development across their constituencies.

He also appreciated the leadership of the APC at both the national and state levels for their roles throughout the nomination process.

During his remarks, the governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the President's commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and supporting the APC. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving security, delivering good governance, and providing democratic dividends to the people of Benue State.

Governor Alia further appealed to voters to support the re-election of President Tinubu, himself, and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections, saying continued support would help consolidate the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Also speaking, Benue State APC Chairman, Hon. Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale, congratulated the successful House of Assembly candidates and encouraged them to mobilize support for the party while remaining committed to its ideals. He also commended Governor Alia for his leadership of the party in the state.

The ceremony was attended by the successful House of Assembly candidates and members of the Benue APC State Working Committee.

The presentation of INEC nomination forms is part of the formal process through which political parties complete the nomination of candidates ahead of general elections.