The Zonal Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State have brought to light the ongoing crisis within the party, emphasizing that the core issue lies between the state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the party itself. They made it clear that the discord has nothing to do with Comr. Austtin Agada or the party’s leader in the state, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume.
In a candid press conference held in Makurdi on Thursday, Bishop Pinot Ogbaji, the Zone C chairman, along with other chairmen, voiced their concerns. Ogbaji shed light on the turmoil within the party, attributing it to Governor Alia’s disregard for the party post-inauguration and his failure to engage in consultations regarding the appointment of caretaker committee chairmen for local government councils in the state.
They clarified that the party’s stance was not about seizing the governor’s powers but rather insisting on meaningful consultations. Ogbaji likened the state of the Benue State APC to that of “a helpless husband with a very beautiful wife that sleeps around with only his neighbours and enemies while he, the lawful husband, is deprived of his conjugal rights.”
Governor Alia’s tendency to favor individuals outside the APC was highlighted, with the warning that consulting with “emergency APC stakeholders” – individuals who had opposed his candidacy in the last election – may lead to repercussions. The chairmen raised concerns about a recent trip made by these so-called party stakeholders, led by Sen. Barnabas Gemade, who had previously initiated legal action against Alia, further fueling apprehension.
The Zonal Chairmen’s revelations shed light on a complex web of political dynamics, providing insight into the intricacies of power struggles within the Benue APC. As the saga unfolds, all eyes are on Governor Alia, the party, and the implications of their strained relationship.
