The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State is embroiled in a leadership crisis, fueling a divisive battle for supremacy. Since the inception of the new government led by Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, tensions have escalated, with the alleged rift between Alia and the party’s state leader, George Akume, causing a deep division within the party.
The state party chairman, Austine Agada, and a majority of the executive committee remain loyal to Akume, while few others have aligned themselves with Alia. This rift has led to a series of dramatic events, including the submission of a petition against Agada to the APC national leadership by Dan Onjeh, the APC senatorial candidate in the 2023 Benue South election.
The suspension of Agada, announced by the former Ward Chairman of Ehaje 1, Owukpa, was quickly nullified by the national body, reflecting the ongoing power struggle within the party. In a further twist, the State Welfare Secretary was purportedly announced as the acting chairman, only to be suspended later by the party’s disciplinary committee in Apa LGA.
Amidst the chaos, the governor of Benue State has allegedly aligned himself with the acting chairman, working to reverse his suspension and replace Agada. These developments have led to a complete defiance of the National Working Committee’s position, culminating in the State High Court in Makurdi restraining Agada from parading himself as the party chairman.
The infighting within the Benue APC has raised concerns among party members, with some expressing disappointment in the challenges facing Agada, citing his pivotal role in securing the state for the APC in previous elections. However, others have blamed Agada for his woes, accusing him of disrespecting the governor, thereby contributing to the escalating tensions within the party.
As the power struggle intensifies, the future of the Benue APC remains uncertain, with the battle for supremacy threatening to further fracture the party.
