Benue APC crisis deepens as Akume, Alia factions elect two state chairmen

Akume

The crisis within the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) escalated on Tuesday as two factions of the party conducted parallel congresses and produced separate state chairmen.

Austin Agada was returned as state chairman by a faction aligned with George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), during a congress held in Makurdi, the state capital.

At the same time, a separate congress organised by a faction loyal to Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, produced Benjamin Omale as the state chairman.

The Agada-led congress was attended by party stakeholders from the 23 LGAs of Benue, including one of the two senators from the state and nine members of the house of representatives.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies reportedly observed the proceedings.

In his acceptance speech, Agada thanked party members for “a peaceful congress”.

“In 2022, when you gave us the mandate to lead you, we assured you that the APC, which was then the opposition party, would be brought to power, which we did,” he said.

“Throughout, you did not betray us despite your suffering to build this party, and now that you have renewed our tenure, we will not disappoint you.

“We will stand on the unity of the party as laid down by our leader, the SGF, and we will work hard to ensure the return of our president, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as those who are on our side.”

Philip Agbese, member representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency and spokesperson of the Benue national assembly APC caucus, congratulated Agada and his executives.