Fresh crisis hits Benue APC as Alia, Akume camps clash over possession of congress materials 

A new power struggle has erupted within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, both assert control over materials meant for the party’s upcoming ward congresses.

The rift in the state chapter dates back to the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, when the party structure became polarised.

While Governor Alia’s supporters recognise Chief Ben Omale as the legitimate state chairman, the Akume-aligned bloc insists that Austin Agada remains the authentic party leader in the state.

The APC has fixed February 18, 2026, for its ward congresses nationwide.

Amid preparations for the exercise, Dickson Tarkighir, who represents Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is aligned with Akume’s faction, disclosed via his verified Facebook page that the party’s national secretariat had released the Benue ward congress materials to his camp. Sharing a photo showing the materials inside his G-Wagon, Tarkighir wrote: “Wards congresses are for Wednesday 18/2/26, let’s all come out and choose our leaders at the wards.”

However, the claim was swiftly dismissed by Alfred Berger Emberga, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and a key figure in Governor Alia’s camp. Emberga alleged that the documents being circulated were not authentic, stating on his verified Facebook page: “#MyInterest. UAC Plaza Garki manufactured forms.”

Also countering Tarkighir’s assertion, Governor Alia’s social media aide, Asortar James Asortar, maintained that the legitimate materials had been received by their camp. In his own Facebook post, he wrote: “I have received Benue State congress forms on behalf of my state now. Haakyav Tombu Peter, organise Benue masses tomorrow to welcome us at Agan. Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, be expecting me, Sir.”

The conflicting claims have deepened uncertainty within the Benue APC ahead of the ward congresses, raising concerns over possible parallel exercises if the dispute remains unresolved.