Today, I officially presented INEC Nomination Forms to our @OfficialAPCNg candidates for the Benue State House of Assembly at the APC Secretariat, Makurdi.
I congratulate all our candidates and urge them to remain true ambassadors of our great party by engaging our people with humility, integrity, and a clear vision for effective representation in the pursuit of a better Benue.
BENUE RECORDS 100% SCORE, EMERGES AMONG NIGERIA’S MOST TRANSPARENT STATES IN Q1 2026 FISCAL RANKING
By Angula Bishop Reuben | 15th July, 2026
Benue State has emerged as one of Nigeria's top-performing states in fiscal transparency after recording a perfect score of 100 per cent in the States Fiscal Transparency League Table for the first quarter of 2026 by Budgit.
The latest ranking places Benue alongside Adamawa, Anambra, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Ondo as the only states to achieve full marks across all assessment indicators.
The league table assessed states on the publication of proposed and approved budgets, quarterly budget implementation reports, the availability of functional e-procurement portals, and public access to fiscal information through government official channels.
Benue scored the maximum points in each of the five categories, indicating full compliance with the transparency benchmarks used in the assessment.
Recall that in the Q1 2023 States Fiscal Transparency League Table, released before the inauguration of Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration, Benue ranked last among the 36 states with a score of 28 per cent, having recorded no points in several key transparency indicators under the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom. Three years later, the state has risen from the bottom of the table to a perfect 100 per cent score, demonstrating a significant improvement in fiscal openness and public financial management.
The ranking comes amid the Benue State Government's continued emphasis on reforms aimed at strengthening public financial management, improving accountability, and expanding public access to government fiscal information.
Observers say the state's performance reinforces its growing reputation for fiscal openness and adherence to transparency standards, while also providing greater confidence for the people, development partners and potential investors seeking reliable governance indicators.
The report classified states scoring between 71 and 100 per cent as "Progressive" (Green), those between 41 and 70 per cent as "Average" (Yellow), and states with scores between 0 and 40 per cent as "Poor" (Red).
While nine states attained the maximum score, several others recorded lower levels of compliance, with Rivers State ranking last after scoring zero across all assessed indicators.
Benue's latest performance adds to a series of national recognitions the state has received in recent years for improvements in public sector governance and fiscal accountability under the progressive leadership of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State.
The dramatic rise from the bottom of the national transparency ranking in early 2023 to a perfect score in 2026 demonstrates the impact of reforms focused on accountability, openness and prudent financial management of the Alia led administration.
Congratulations to His Excellency and the entire team driving this remarkable transformation.
Today, I joined other distinguished leaders and party stakeholders at the official inauguration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-to-Door Movement National Executives and Public Lecture, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
As leaders, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that foster national unity, strengthen democratic participation, and promote sustainable development for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Today, I had the honour of delivering the inaugural lecture at the 1st University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University) Quarterly Guest Lecture Series on the theme: “Insecurity and Education in Nigeria: The Benue Model as a Pathway to National Development.”
In my lecture, I advanced a simple but profound conviction: education remains Nigeria’s most sustainable weapon against insecurity. While security operations are necessary, lasting peace can only be achieved by deliberately investing in quality education, human capital development, youth empowerment, and strong institutions as a long-term solution.
I shared how the Benue Model intentionally uses education as a strategic security policy by investing heavily in free and compulsory basic education, expanding educational infrastructure, employing thousands of teachers, establishing the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, and creating opportunities that keep our young people productively engaged rather than vulnerable to crime and extremism.
I also reiterated my longstanding position on the urgent need for State Police as a critical complement to education and other institutional reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
The challenges confronting our nation demand bold ideas, practical solutions, and courageous leadership. I believe the Benue experience offers a workable pathway that can be adapted across Nigeria to build a more peaceful nation.
I appreciate the Vice-Chancellor, Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students of the University of Abuja for the honour of inviting me as the first guest lecturer in this important series. I also thank everyone who attended and contributed to the enriching discussions.
Today, I addressed the Presidential State House Press Corps on how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms are translating into real development in Benue State.
The results speak for themselves:
• Over 550km of roads undergoing construction and rehabilitation with many already completed.
• Construction of the first Underpasses/flyovers in the state transforming Makurdi and Gboko, with Otukpo next.
• Establishment of the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh.
• Over 422 new and reconstructed basic education facilities across our 23 Local Government Areas, including storey buildings.
• Construction of the Food Basket Breweries; producing Zeva Premium Beer, Zeva Malt, and Oyi Bitters, revival of Bensono Juice & Concentrate Factory, and the ongoing revival of Taraku Mills.
• Massive investments in agriculture, healthcare, and rural development.
• Provision of over 120 Hilux vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and 6 patrol boats to strengthen security.
• Implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage from N18,000, with consistent payment of salaries, and the gradual clearance of inherited pension and gratuity arrears. Etc
We have expanded support for our farmers, improved healthcare delivery, and created new opportunities for investment, jobs, and economic growth.
Our administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, prudent management of public resources, and ensuring that every kobo entrusted to us delivers measurable value to the great people of Benue State.
Yesterday, we took another bold step in our journey to industrialise Benue as President @officialABAT, represented by @femigbaja, commissioned the Bensono Fruit Processing & Concentrate Factory; a landmark investment that signals the dawn of a new era for agriculture in Benue.
🔥 “Yesterday, we hosted the Mother of the Nation, Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria, in Benue State as she brought the Renewed Hope Initiative to our dear people, accompanied by over 40 State First Ladies and wives of Ministers.
I sincerely appreciate the First Lady for her love for Benue and her commitment to the welfare of women, youths, children, and vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Today, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating President @officialABAT on his 3rd anniversary in office.
Three years of bold leadership, tough choices, and a clear national direction.
We acknowledge the progress, the sacrifices, and the steady push to rebuild our nation.
HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE TO ALL OF US.
Three years ago, you gave me your trust to lead Benue at a critical moment in our history. Today, I return that trust with deeper commitment, renewed strength, and greater determination to serve you better.
On behalf of the Government and the good people of Benue, I warmly congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, on his emergence as the 2027 Presidential Flag Bearer of our great party, the @OfficialAPCNg, following a resounding victory in the Presidential Primaries.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU POLLS 11 MILLION VOTES IN APC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES, PROMISES TO CONSOLIDATE ECONOMIC REFORMS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, emerged the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with a total of 10,999,162 votes after the nationwide collation of results, promising to consolidate economic reforms, secure progress, and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria in the second term.
He spoke after receiving from the APC chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the certificate of return and the party's symbolic flag as the torchbearer in the upcoming election.
Addressing the party faithful at the International Conference Centre, President Tinubu announced his acceptance of the presidential nomination, with humility and gratitude to the members.
“In accepting this nomination, I renew my commitment to serve our nation with even greater determination.
"With another four years of disciplined focus and national cooperation, we will firmly place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation," President Tinubu said.
The Chairman of the APC Presidential Election Committee, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, announced the result of the presidential primary in the hall, with National Assembly members, serving and former state governors, ministers and presidential aides, party stalwarts, members of the National Working Committee, and the National Executive in attendance.
Stanley Osifo, the second presidential aspirant, had 16, 503 votes.
Anyim said the Presidential primaries followed the laid-down procedures of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Electoral laws, and the APC constitution, with voting taking place in 36 states and the Federal Capital, 774 local councils, and 8,809 wards on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
He said the votes were collated and counted in Abuja by collation officers, mostly governors from various states.
According to him, 12,643,316 party members were registered, 11,069,746 were accredited, and 11,015,665 voted in the presidential primary elections.
He said the process was fair and that the agents of both aspirants were allowed to challenge the results and seek redress where necessary.
President Tinubu thanked governors, members of the National Assembly, the presidential primary elections committee, the APC National Executive Council, the National Working Committee and party members for giving him another opportunity to fly the party's flag in next year’s election.
President Tinubu said his administration has achieved a lot in the last three years and urged party members to take pride in and showcase the party's achievements since 2015, especially in the last three years.
“Our economy has undergone significant structural reform, supported by new tax laws and fiscal policies that have boosted revenue collection for the federation.
“We promised to remove the financial barriers to higher education for our youth. Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N282 billion disbursed and over 1.5 million beneficiaries.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
May 24, 2026
Read the full statement here:
https://t.co/7bVoc4IgyS
Yesterday, in my capacity as the Benue State Coordinator and Collation Officer for the 2026 Presidential Primaries of the @OfficialAPCNg, I presided over the collation and declaration of results across the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue State at the APC Secretariat, Makurdi.
Today, I humbly accepted the nomination as the @OfficialAPCNg Governorship Flag Bearer for the 2027 elections. I sincerely thank our great party and the good people of Benue for this renewed vote of confidence.
Today, at my 60th Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, I made a heartfelt decision to dedicate all gifts and proceeds from this celebration to the IDPs across Benue State.