APC Benue ward congress sparks conflict as factions loyal to Governor Alia and SGF Akume produce parallel executives
The quest to control party structures in the ongoing congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has escalated tensions between the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
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The development comes amid Wednesday’s ward congresses, which produced parallel executive committees loyal to the two leaders.
The cold war between Governor Alia and Senator Akume traces back to shortly after the governor’s inauguration in 2023, when Alia struggled to assert his authority as the APC leader in the state.
Wednesday’s ward congress has deepened the divide, with each faction claiming legitimacy.
The Austin Agada-led faction, aligned with Senator Akume, stated that the ward congress reaffirmed existing executives at the local level.
Daniel Ihomun, the faction’s publicity secretary, told Tribune Online on Thursday that their executives were granted an additional four-year tenure.
“We heartily congratulate all ward executives who were affirmed by their respective congresses to continue in office for another tenure of four years. The mandate given to you is a call to service, not an avenue for personal interest,” Ihomun said.
He praised Akume for his “guidance, experience, and unwavering commitment,” adding that the state APC is now “more united, focused, and determined than ever” ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the caretaker committee loyal to Governor Alia disputed the reaffirmation, insisting that new executives were elected through consensus.
James Ornguga, the faction’s publicity secretary, explained that all ward, local government, and state executives had completed their tenures, with the state executives’ term ending on February 8.
“What happened during our ward congresses yesterday was consensus; there were no guidelines for old executives to be returned. Their tenure has elapsed,” Ornguga stated, emphasising that the newly elected executives reflect a fresh mandate from party members across the state.
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Analysts note that the parallel claims of legitimacy risk undermining party cohesion in Benue ahead of critical national elections, raising concerns over grassroots mobilisation and internal APC unity.
