Benue APC Crisis Deepens as Alia, Akume Factions Fail to Reach Peace Deal

Efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve its lingering leadership crisis in Benue State have ended in a deadlock, as rival factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, failed to reach an agreement.

The failure of the reconciliation meeting has raised concerns about the party’s unity and preparations for the 2027 general elections, with both camps maintaining their positions over the leadership of the state chapter.

The crisis centres on the disputed chairmanship of the party in Benue. While the faction aligned with Governor Alia recognises Benjamin Omale as state chairman, the Akume-backed group insists that Austin Agada remains the legitimate chairman.

The disagreement has reportedly led to the operation of parallel party secretariats in Makurdi, alongside a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions by the rival groups.

The APC national leadership had initiated reconciliation efforts to address the internal disputes and restore unity ahead of the next general election. However, the latest meeting ended without a breakthrough, as neither faction was willing to abandon its position on the disputed leadership.

A party source familiar with the discussions said the disagreement extended beyond the chairmanship to the control of the party’s political structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the source, the national delegation met representatives of both camps separately, but the discussions failed to produce a compromise.

The Alia-led faction reportedly wants the APC national leadership to recognise the Omale-led executive and conduct a fresh harmonisation of party structures at the ward level.

However, the faction loyal to Akume maintains that the party should respect the 2022 congress that produced Agada as state chairman.

Reacting to the stalled reconciliation process, Benedict Yawe, publicity secretary of the Omale-led faction, said his group remained committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue.

Yawe described reconciliation as necessary for the growth, unity and electoral prospects of the APC in Benue State.

He said his faction was confident in its position, citing its grassroots support and the importance of democratic principles in determining the party’s leadership.

However, he insisted that the group was not opposed to dialogue or accommodating differing opinions.

Yawe called on party stakeholders to put aside personal differences and work towards a common understanding, stressing that reconciliation must respect the party’s constitution, established structures and legitimate leadership.

He added that his faction was prepared to welcome aggrieved members back into a united political family, provided the process was sincere and inclusive.

Meanwhile, Morgan Ihomun, publicity secretary of the Agada-led faction, rejected suggestions that his group was responsible for the failure of the peace initiative.

Ihomun accused Governor Alia of failing to make genuine efforts to reconcile party members despite the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

He alleged that the governor had continued to make disparaging remarks about key party stakeholders rather than build bridges with them.

Ihomun further claimed that Alia had not held a meeting with APC members of the National Assembly since assuming office, arguing that the situation had contributed to divisions and mistrust within the party.

He maintained that reconciliation could only succeed through sincerity, mutual respect and recognition of established party structures.

The Agada-backed faction also reaffirmed its commitment to the leadership of President Tinubu and said it was working towards his re-election in 2027.

The unresolved dispute has generated concerns among party stakeholders, who fear that the continued existence of rival leadership structures could weaken the APC’s organisation at the grassroots.

There are also concerns that opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), could take advantage of the divisions as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC national leadership may be compelled to consider further measures, including a political settlement or a caretaker committee, if the factions fail to reach an agreement.

For now, both groups continue to operate separately, with each defending its claim to the party’s leadership in Benue State.

The failure of the latest reconciliation effort leaves the ruling party facing the challenge of resolving its internal differences before the 2027 general elections.