The lingering crisis within the All Progressives Congress in Benue State resurfaced on Tuesday as rival factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, conducted separate congresses and announced parallel state executive committees.
Supporters of the SGF-backed faction gathered in large numbers at Eunice Resort along Ankpa Road in Makurdi, where they returned the Austin Agada-led State Working Committee during a non-elective congress.
The event attracted several APC stakeholders, including Second Republic Senator Jack Gyado, former Minister of State for Health, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, and Senator Titus Zam. A representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission was reportedly present to monitor proceedings.
Speaking after his return as chairman, Agada expressed appreciation to party members for what he described as their unwavering support.
“In 2022, when you entrusted us with leadership, we promised to bring the APC from opposition to power, and we achieved that,” he said. “Now that you have renewed our mandate, we will not disappoint you.”
He pledged loyalty to the leadership of the SGF and assured members that the faction would work towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party loyalists.
Senator Titus Zam also commended members for their commitment, promising that the group would mobilise support for the President’s second term and National Assembly members aligned with them. On the political future of Governor Alia within the faction, Zam said consultations were ongoing and that a position would be made public in due course.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia’s camp held a separate congress at IBB Square in Makurdi, where Benjamin Omale emerged as chairman of the faction’s executive committee.
In his acceptance speech, Omale thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead with transparency, honesty and fairness. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and promised to foster unity within the party in Benue State.
Omale also declared support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Alia, saying both leaders deserved another term to consolidate on their achievements.
Addressing party members at the event, Governor Alia described the congresses conducted under his watch as peaceful, credible and transparent. He urged members to remain committed to the ideals of the party and to work collectively for the state’s development.
The governor congratulated the newly elected officials, describing their emergence as a call to service. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Ibrahim for their continued support for the party nationwide, particularly in Benue.
“With the goodwill of our people, a new Benue is possible,” Alia said. “We will remain transparent in our actions and continue to build a strong and united APC in the state.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Benue APC Congress Planning Committee and member representing Ukum/Katsina-Ala/Logo Federal Constituency, Solomon Wombo, commended the governor for what he termed a free and fair process at the ward and local government levels. He said necessary measures were put in place to ensure credible leadership emerged from the congresses.
The development once again underscores the deepening division within the Benue APC, as both camps lay claim to legitimate leadership of the party in the state.
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