According to a report from THE NATION news, the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is embroiled in a crisis stemming from a power struggle between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)...CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
This rift, which has divided the party’s supporters and leaders, began after the APC’s landslide victory in the last governorship election, which saw Alia assume office. The conflict has intensified as stakeholders, including those loyal to Akume, have accused Alia of sidelining key party members, while Alia’s camp argues that the governor is operating in the best interest of Benue citizens by prioritizing effective governance over party loyalty.
Alia’s supporters contend that his decisions reflect a commitment to bring in competent aides and advisors, regardless of party affiliations. However, some party leaders believe that this approach undermines the APC’s constitution, which traditionally emphasizes inclusivity for loyalists. Alia’s perceived reliance on non-APC members has led to accusations from the opposing faction, primarily aligned with Akume, that he is alienating the core supporters who played crucial roles in his election win. These factions have clashed on numerous occasions, with some incidents even leading to physical altercations among their supporters.
The friction reached new heights recently when the APC National Working Committee (NWC), led by its Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, intervened by dissolving the Benue APC executive committee and establishing a caretaker committee to manage party affairs temporarily.
This decision was aimed at preventing a total breakdown within the party’s ranks and promoting harmony ahead of upcoming elections. Ganduje expressed disappointment over the state of affairs in Benue, attributing the crisis to unresolved factionalism and legal disputes. His intervention was seen as an attempt to stabilize the party, though it has yet to fully resolve the deep-seated tensions within the Benue APC.
Adding to the crisis, the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) recently conducted local government elections in which the APC secured all 23 council chairmanship seats. However, some APC stakeholders contested the legitimacy of these victories, alleging that those elected were not true party members.
This response has further strained relations within the party, as loyalists loyal to Akume claim the victories are unrepresentative of the APC’s grassroots base in the state. This critique underscores the broader concern that APC leadership might face further complications as it prepares for the 2027 general election if internal disputes remain unresolved...CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
