The ruling All Progressives Congress in Benue State has been thrown into a deeper crisis after factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, staged parallel congresses and unveiled separate state executives.
On Tuesday, the Akume-backed camp stormed Eunice Resort along Ankpa Road in Makurdi, where a massive crowd returned the Austin Agada-led State Working Committee in a non-elective congress. Heavyweight party figures, including Senator Jack Gyado, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, and Senator Titus Zam, were in attendance. INEC monitored the exercise.
In his acceptance speech, Agada hailed the supporters for standing firm and promised not to disappoint.
He said, “In 2022, when you gave us the mandate to lead you, we assured you that the APC, which was then the opposition party, would be brought to power, which we did.
“Throughout, you did not betray us despite your suffering to build this party, and now that you have renewed our tenure, we will not disappoint you.
“We will stand on the unity of the party as laid down by our leader, the SGF, and we will work hard to ensure the return of our president, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as those who are on our side.”
Earlier, Senator Titus Zam pledged that the faction would mobilise for the reelection of the president and National Assembly members, adding pointedly:
Regarding the governor, we are still consulting and will let the people know at the appropriate time.
But just a few kilometres away at IBB Square, Governor Alia’s loyalists were holding their own congress, producing Benjamin Omale as state chairman.
Omale thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and vowed to run an inclusive and transparent leadership. He assured that the APC in Benue would remain united and committed to the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Governor Alia, addressing supporters, described the congresses under his watch as peaceful and credible, urging members to strengthen the party for growth and development.
“We will continue to be transparent in whatever we are doing. We will continue to stand with the people of the state and form a formidable APC in the state,” the governor said.
