Benue APC Crisis Deepens as Alia, Akume Factions Hold Parallel Congresses

Benue APC Crisis Deepens as Alia, Akume Factions Hold Parallel Congresses

The leadership crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress worsened on Tuesday as rival factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, conducted separate state congresses and produced parallel executive committees.

The two congresses, held at different venues in Makurdi, have further exposed deep divisions within the ruling party in the state, with both camps claiming legitimacy and adherence to party guidelines.

Governor Alia’s faction gathered at the IBB Square in Makurdi, where Benjamin Omale was returned as the state chairman. The congress, according to the governor’s camp, was monitored by members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) election committee.

In a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, the governor described the exercise as peaceful and inclusive.

“Today, I joined party leaders, delegates, and members of our great party at the APC State Congress in Benue, where Benjamin Omale was unanimously returned as State Chairman,” Alia said.

He congratulated Omale and other members of the executive, stating that the process reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy and service.

The governor also acknowledged the presence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Sam Egwu, and the NWC election committee chaired by Auwal Isheye, with Tijani Abdullahi serving as secretary.

The NWC election committee reportedly supervised the congress and screened aspirants ahead of the exercise, while a Congress Screening Appeal Committee led by Mohammed Danbata was constituted to receive petitions from aggrieved aspirants.

Governor Alia used the occasion to call for unity among party members and urged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence in the president’s leadership and policies.

At the same time, the faction loyal to Akume held its own congress at a separate location in Makurdi, where members affirmed the Austin Agada-led State Executive Committee for another four-year term. The affirmation was reportedly done through a voice vote.

In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Dan-Morgan Ihomun, the Akume faction described its congress as orderly and conducted in line with party procedures. The statement noted that statutory delegates and stakeholders from across the state were in attendance and pledged loyalty to President Tinubu and Akume, whom they recognised as the party leader in Benue.

Although Akume did not personally attend the event, several of his loyalists were present, including former Second Republic senator Jack Tilley-Gyado and Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North-West.

Among those confirmed as members of the executive committee aligned with the Akume camp are Austin Agada as State Chairman, Aluga Benedict as Deputy Chairman, and Donard Gbugho as Secretary, alongside other state and zonal officers.

Supporters at the parallel congress were seen celebrating and lifting Agada in a show of solidarity, underscoring the faction’s determination to maintain control of the party structure in the state.

The latest development mirrors previous disputes within the Benue APC, where disagreements over party leadership and structure have repeatedly led to competing claims of authority. Political observers say the power struggle between the governor’s camp and Akume’s loyalists has persisted for months, with both sides seeking dominance ahead of future political contests.

While both factions insist their congresses were peaceful and conducted in accordance with party rules, the emergence of parallel executives highlights the unresolved leadership tussle within the party in Benue State.

As of press time, neither the national leadership of the APC nor the Independent National Electoral Commission had issued an official statement clarifying which of the two congresses would be recognised.

The outcome of the dispute is expected to shape the political direction of the ruling party in Benue, as stakeholders await guidance from the party’s national secretariat.