- Benue APC Crisis Deepens As Akume Loyalists Move Against Alia
- Akume loyalists align with PDP to challenge governor’s leadership
- Party divisions grow as reconciliation efforts fail and tensions rise
The crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has deepened as loyalists of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, moved to block the re-election of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The group vowed to wrest power from the governor in 2027, describing the move as necessary to “save the state and its people.”
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Governor Ahmadu Fintiri Defects To APC As Atiku’s Son Refuses To Dump PDP
- Should Governors Have To Join Ruling Party for ‘Greater Federal Support’?
- FEDSA National Pays Courtesy Visit to Lekki LCDA Chairman, Applauds Free JAMB Initiative
EKO HOT BLOG reports that a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, criticised Governor Alia’s leadership in a viral video seen online.
Aondoakaa spoke at a Peoples Democratic Party caucus meeting held at the residence of former governor, Samuel Ortom, in Makurdi.
He said the governor had failed to meet expectations and added that the decision to align with the PDP was aimed at unseating him.
“They said they have money but the money belongs to all of us. God will not allow them to use the money to defeat us,” Aondoakaa said.
Aondoakaa also disclosed that the alliance with the PDP had the backing of Senator Akume, who was absent at the meeting due to official duties in Abuja.
“Senator George Akume is busy… ensuring that the foundation of the strategic partnership produces results,” he said.
Other APC chieftains, including Mathias Byuan, Pius Akutah and Sebastian Hon, attended the meeting and pledged loyalty to Akume and Ortom.
Findings showed that the rift is linked to the struggle for control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reports indicated that the Akume faction is dissatisfied with the shift of the APC structure in the state to Governor Alia, raising concerns over ticket allocation for future elections.
The crisis earlier manifested in parallel congresses that produced rival chairmen, Austin Agada and Benjamin Omale.
Efforts to reconcile both camps stalled despite intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who urged unity within the party.
Political observers expressed concern over the presence of APC loyalists at a PDP caucus meeting despite the Vice President’s call for peace.
Reacting, Governor Alia’s spokesperson, Tersoo Kula, said the governor remained unbothered by the developments.
“It is the wish of the governor that APC works as a family… He believes the masses are with him,” Kula said.
He described critics within the party as “disgruntled elements” attempting to derail the administration.
Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Akume camp, Daniel Ihomun, confirmed attendance at the PDP meeting but said it was aimed at mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of 2027.
He added that APC members in the state remained open to collaboration with groups supporting Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the statement did not address support for Governor Alia’s re-election, further fuelling concerns over deepening divisions within the party.
