The All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Benue State have set conditions for their support of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration. They have made it clear that they will only back the governor if he recognizes Senator George Akume as the party’s leader in the state.

The ongoing internal leadership crisis within the party has intensified due to the power struggle between Governor Alia and Akume, a former governor of the state. The conflict escalated over the weekend when security forces reportedly clashed with the State APC executive, led by the embattled chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, and other key figures.

Despite Governor Alia’s ban on political gatherings in the state due to security concerns, the stakeholders insisted on holding a meeting to welcome Dr. Matthias Byuan, who recently received a federal government appointment facilitated by Akume.

During a meeting at the SGF’s residence in Makurdi, the stakeholders unanimously agreed to stand behind Akume as the party’s leader in the state. Byuan expressed disappointment with Governor Alia for implicating him and other party members in the recent violence at the party’s secretariat.

He clarified that they were on their way to the party office to share his appointment letter when they were attacked by youths. Despite the altercation, the stakeholders remained steadfast in their support for Akume.

The situation remains tense as the power struggle within the APC in Benue State shows no signs of abating. Stay tuned for further developments as the political landscape continues to evolve.