The Idoma Political and Patriotic Forum has commended Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for considering the Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon. Melvin James Ejeh, for appointment as the Benue State Coordinator of the Progressives Local Government Chairmen for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alia.
The forum described the nomination as a historic development and a significant recognition of the Idoma people in Benue State.
Ejeh’s nomination was conveyed in a letter dated October 23, 2026, signed by the Director-General of the organisation, Hon. Freedom Bassey.
According to the letter, Ejeh was nominated by the Benue State leadership, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State chapter, and other critical stakeholders.
The organisation said the nomination was based on Ejeh’s leadership capacity, commitment to grassroots development and ability to mobilise and coordinate stakeholders at the local government level.
Reacting to the development, the Idoma Political and Patriotic Forum in a statement by its Cordinator, Israel Apeh, said the nomination had demonstrated that Governor Alia was willing to recognise and accommodate the Idoma people, contrary to claims in some quarters that the governor was hostile to the ethnic group.
The forum also expressed appreciation to the national and Benue State leadership of the APC for their roles in the nomination, describing the gesture as a positive step towards promoting inclusion and strengthening political cooperation.
The forum added, “This development has shown that Governor Alia does not hate Idoma people, as claimed in some quarters.”
It also expressed appreciation to the national and state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the gesture, pledging continued support for the party and its leadership.
“We sincerely appreciate the national and Benue State leadership of the APC for this gesture. We assure them of our continued support and commitment to working together for the progress of our people and the state,” the forum stated.
The Progressives Local Government Chairmen for President Tinubu/Governor Alia is a grassroots political organisation comprising executive chairmen of local government councils across APC-controlled states.
The group seeks to strengthen grassroots mobilisation, promote effective local governance and support the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu and the administration of Governor Alia.