President Bola Tinubu and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor, the Benue State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia, has expressed optimism that both leaders would record convincing victories in the forthcoming general elections following the outcome of the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in the state.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Makurdi on Tuesday, Tarzoor said the large turnout recorded during the APC primary elections across the state showed that the ruling party remained the dominant political force in Benue.
The former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly commended party members for what he described as massive participation, especially during the National Assembly primaries, noting that voters freely elected candidates of their choice.
According to him, the conduct of the primaries reflected transparency and credibility, adding that the exercise was generally peaceful in most parts of the state.
Tarzoor acknowledged that it was normal for some aspirants to feel dissatisfied after losing the contests but maintained that such grievances were part of the democratic process.
He expressed confidence that aggrieved party members would eventually reconcile before the general elections, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy was gradually becoming stronger and more mature.
The APC chieftain also dismissed allegations linking him to the outcome of the primaries, insisting that he had no influence over the decisions made by delegates and party members during the elections.
He explained that candidates emerged through the choices made by voters in their various constituencies and not through the influence of any individual.
Tarzoor further clarified that he was not involved in fixing the timetable for the primaries, including complaints about some elections being held during school hours, which reportedly affected smooth proceedings in certain areas.
He, however, maintained that there were no verified reports of electoral malpractice, intimidation, diversion of materials or rigging during the exercise, insisting that the primaries were largely successful across the state.
