Senator Titus Zam, a federal lawmaker representing Benue North West, has expressed deep concern over the state of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since the emergence of Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia as governor of Benue State. Speaking on behalf of National Assembly members from the APC in Benue during a stakeholder meeting in Makurdi, Zam lamented that their party is currently facing turmoil and instability.
The stakeholders convened at the residence of Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and a former governor of Benue State, to address the ongoing leadership crisis within the state chapter of the APC. The conflict between Governor Alia and Akume over control of the party’s structure has escalated, leading to a standoff between the two prominent figures.
During the meeting, APC stakeholders unanimously agreed to withdraw their support for Governor Alia until he acknowledges Akume as the rightful leader of the party in Benue. Zam, in his address, highlighted the efforts made by the stakeholders to ensure Alia’s victory in the 2023 gubernatorial elections, only to be met with disappointment as the governor distanced himself from the party.
Zam emphasized, “Our party is under siege by the governor of Benue State. Despite our support and efforts to secure his victory, Governor Alia has brought unrest and discord within the APC since assuming office. We are committed to restoring stability and unity within our party in Benue.”
The lawmaker recounted an unfortunate incident where the APC chairman, Agada, was attacked while on his way to the office, contrasting it with the unimpeded activities of the opposition party, PDP. Zam reiterated the collective commitment of APC members to rally behind Akume and seek intervention from the national secretariat to resolve the internal strife and bring Governor Alia back into the party fold.
The situation in Benue State reflects a broader challenge facing the APC, as internal power struggles threaten to undermine the party’s cohesion and effectiveness. The call for unity and reconciliation within the party is crucial to maintaining its political relevance and serving the interests of the people of Benue.
As the APC grapples with internal divisions, the resolution of the leadership crisis in Benue will be a litmus test for the party’s ability to navigate challenges and uphold its principles. The outcome of this conflict will not only shape the future of the APC in Benue but also impact the political landscape of Nigeria as a whole.
