In Nigeria’s political terrain, it is rare to hear of very peaceful political exercises like the conduct of party primaries and congresses.
However, the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) ward and local government congresses in Benue State unfolded with a calm that must have surprised even the avowed antagonists of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor and leader of the APC in the state.
Both the Hon. Saidu Adamu led Ward and Local Government Screening Committee and Muhammed Yusuf Danbatta led Ward and Local Government Appeal Committee stated at the end of their respective assignments that they received no verbal or written petition from any person, group or faction in the state. This shows that the exercises took place without any form rancour.
But truth be told, this can convincingly be attributed to the Governor’s political sagacity.
For a starter, it is safe to point out that political sagacity is beyond merely winning elections; but about reading the mood of the people, understanding party dynamics, and applying tact where tensions could easily erupt.
The Governor has demonstrated this quality in the way consultations both locally and nationally were handled before the congresses.
He did not allow brewing factions amongst genuine members of the party to harden into rival camps, but rather encouraged dialogue, persuasion, and inclusiveness.
Benue politics, like politics in most parts of the country has never been immune to diverse, and to some extent egocentric interests. Political party structures, particularly at the grassroots level, often attract strong interests to the point that ward and local government congresses usually become flashpoints for intense disagreements over representation and influence.
However, in the just concluded ward and local government congresses in State, the process was overwhelmingly marked by orderliness and cooperation.
There are already calls acknowledging the Governor’s approach which was less about exerting raw authority, and more about building consensus.
Governor Alia’s body language signaling fairness and discouraging imposition, helped reduce the palpable anxiety that typically shadows internal party exercises. Leaders, stakeholders and aspirants were reminded that unity after the congresses was just as important as victory during them.
It is important to note that this unprecedented calmness did not happen by accident; it was deliberate and the product of strategic engagement.
In the build up to the exercise, major stakeholders were accordingly consulted; grievances were heard; compromises were explored. The major conflicts that are often fueled by perception in politics were curtailed. Through his insistence on projecting openness and restraint, Governor Alia shaped a perception of neutrality and balance.
Most importantly, beyond the immediate success of the congresses, the implications are significant. The peaceful internal processes which usually strengthens a party’s credibility before the electorates have been upheld.
This is significant in the sense that when the people feel heard and respected, they are more likely to rally together in subsequent electoral contests. Stability within the party can translate into stability in governance.
Notwithstanding the fact that no political process is entirely without disagreement, what distinguishes effective leadership however is the ability to manage those differences proactively and sensibly.
In this instance, Governor Alia’s steady hand appears to have made the difference between friction and harmony.
Therefore, as Benue moves forward, the peaceful conduct of the APC ward and local government congresses stands as a reminder that politics, when guided by wisdom and restraint, need not descend into rancor. It can, instead, reflect maturity.
In Benue State where political contests are closely watched, the recent congresses have offered a lesson: sagacity in leadership can turn potential flashpoints into moments of unity.
Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.
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