Power Struggle Intensifies Within Benue APC as Akume, Alia Clash Over Leadership

In a relentless struggle for dominance, the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) finds itself embroiled in a deep-seated crisis, tearing apart the unity of the party.

Since the inauguration of the new government led by Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, the APC has been plagued by a leadership crisis, exacerbated by Alia’s alleged cold war with the party’s state leader and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Party members have taken sides, further intensifying the division within the APC. The state party chairman, Austine Agada, and a majority of the executive committee stand by Akume, while a few others have aligned themselves with Alia.

Agada, a staunch supporter of Akume, has been a vocal critic of the state governor, potentially contributing to his current predicament. Recently, the APC senatorial candidate for the 2023 Benue South election, Dan Onjeh, filed a petition against Agada, accusing him of undermining the party during the last election.

The ensuing conflict led to Agada’s suspension by the former Ward Chairman of Ehaje 1, Owukpa. However, the national body swiftly nullified the suspension, urging the party to refrain from any action pending a review.

In a twist of events, Benjamin Omakolo, the State Welfare Secretary, was purportedly announced as the acting chairman on Thursday. Nevertheless, the party’s disciplinary committee in Apa LGA later suspended Omakolo for alleged financial mismanagement, insubordination, and consistent non-payment of party dues.

Amid the chaos, sources reveal that the governor has thrown his support behind Omakolo, actively working to reverse his suspension and replace Agada with Omakolo as the acting State Chairman. This was evident as a State High Court in Makurdi restrained Agada from parading himself as the chairman, contradicting the National Working Committee’s position.

An insider disclosed, “Things have really fallen apart in the APC. The governor now sees Austine Agada as an obstacle to sidelining Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of Benue Politics.”

The internal strife escalated with alleged plans for party executives in Igoro, Apa LGA, to deny authorizing Omakolo’s suspension. Concerns are mounting after an attack on Agada at the party secretariat, where he was escorted away by the police.

Party member Joseph Akoh expressed apprehension about the challenges facing Agada, emphasizing his crucial role in securing the state for the APC in recent elections. However, another party source attributed Agada’s troubles to his perceived disrespect for the governor.