Internal Crisis Escalates in Benue APC Despite National Directive

The internal crisis within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified, with the camp loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia failing to comply with the National Working Committee’s (NWC) directive to withdraw all legal actions initiated by party members.

The directive was issued within a stipulated seven-day period, which has since elapsed.

Since the inauguration of the new government led by Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, the leadership crisis has persisted, with no apparent resolution in sight.

The discord within the Benue State APC deepened with Governor Alia’s strained relationship with the party’s state leader and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, leading to a stark division among members.

While the State Party Chairman, Austin Agada, and a majority of the executive committee members continue to pledge loyalty to Akume, a minority has sided with Governor Alia, further fueling the internal strife.

The conflict escalated when Dan Onjeh, the APC senatorial candidate in the 2023 Benue South election and a staunch supporter of Governor Alia, filed a petition against Agada before the APC national leadership, accusing him of undermining the party’s interests during the previous election.

In response, the former Ward Chairman of Ehaje 1, Owukpa, announced Agada’s suspension, which was swiftly nullified by the national body.

Subsequently, Benjamin Omakolo, the State Welfare Secretary, was purportedly appointed as the acting chairman of the party in the state.

However, Omakolo was later suspended by the party’s disciplinary committee in Apa LGA over allegations of fund misappropriation, gross insubordination, and persistent failure to pay party dues.

The faction aligned with the governor secured a court order from the State High Court in Makurdi, restraining Agada from functioning as the party chairman.

However, a ruling by the Benue State High Court reinstated Agada as the party chairman, citing legal timelines.

Despite the national directive to cease internal conflicts and withdraw all ongoing court cases, the faction loyal to Governor Alia has yet to comply.

They have even gone ahead to inaugurate a parallel executive to lead the party, as noted in a recent statement by Dan Onjeh, a loyalist to the governor, who criticized the party’s national Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the NWC for their stance on the Benue party crisis.

Governor Alia, however, has reiterated his allegiance to the NWC amid the deadlock.