Benue APC Crisis Deepens as Governor Alia Seals Akume’s Faction Secretariat

A deepening internal crisis has rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Nigeria, with Governor Hyacinth Alia allegedly sealing the secretariat of the party’s faction loyal to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to a statement by Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the Governor halted a scheduled State Executive Committee meeting convened by the Akume faction, led by Austin Agada. The two factions had scheduled parallel State Executive Council meetings for Thursday, but Alia banned the SEC meeting by the Akume faction.

In a statement, Alia warned that there would be consequences if any person or group attempts to disrupt the peace of the state by converging for any unauthorized meeting. He quoted himself as saying, “The last time I checked, I am still the APC leader in the state. No APC meeting can be summoned without my knowledge.”

Alia also emphasized his role as the Chief Security Officer in the state, stating that he should know when a legitimate gathering is supposed to hold. He added, “Nigeria is not a lawless state and so is Benue state. Those who think they can undermine the authority of the state must know this and know peace.”

However, the state Publicity Secretary of Agada-led exco, Daniel Ihomun, accused Governor Alia of hounding the Akume’s loyalists by sending “miscreants” to loot their secretariat. “The governor has sealed up the secretariat and some miscreants were sent and looted the secretariat,” Ihomun said.

Our correspondent, who visited the party secretariat along J.S. Tarka Way, observed that construction of the road had commenced. As at the time of filing this report, the meeting convened by Alia’s faction had yet to commence.

The crisis in the APC in Benue State has been ongoing for some time, with Alia and Akume engaged in a power struggle over the control of the party. The situation remains tense, with both factions vying for dominance.