Benue: Pressure mounts on Gov Alia to dump APC

The lingering crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has taken a new twist as loyalists of Governor Hyacinth Alia are urging him to consider leaving the party amid fears that the deepening rift could further weaken the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call comes against the backdrop of the prolonged internal battle between factions loyal to the governor and those aligned with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, IDOMA VOICE reports.

The crisis within the Benue APC dates back to the early days of Governor Alia’s administration, when disagreements began to surface over the control of the party structure in the state.

Political observers say the rivalry between the governor and the Akume political bloc gradually intensified as both camps sought influence over key party organs and political appointments.

The situation worsened in the buildup to the party’s ward and local government congresses, which were meant to consolidate party unity but instead exposed deep cracks within the APC in the state.

The internal struggle reached a climax during the recent congresses when rival factions conducted parallel exercises, each producing its own set of executives.

At the end of the contentious process, the governor’s camp announced the emergence of a factional state chairman, Ben Omale, while the Akume-led bloc also produced its own chairman, Austin Agada, effectively creating two parallel leadership structures within the party in Benue.

The development has since thrown the party into confusion, with both factions laying claim to legitimacy and accusing each other of undermining the party.

Political analysts warned that the existence of parallel structures could weaken the APC’s cohesion and electoral strength in the state if not resolved before the next election cycle.

Amid the deepening crisis, some political loyalists and stakeholders sympathetic to Governor Alia have begun advising him to consider seeking an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to them, the persistent hostility within the party and the perceived dominance of rival interests could hinder the governor’s political ambitions and governance agenda.

They argued that a fresh platform may provide the governor with the political stability required to pursue his policies and seek re-election without internal obstruction.

A chieftain of the party who spoke on condition of anonymity said Governor Alia’s personal popularity was largely responsible for the APC’s victory in the 2023 election.

“Let us be honest with ourselves. The victory of the APC in 2023 in Benue was largely driven by the personal popularity and credibility of Governor Alia.

“The people voted for him, not necessarily the party structure. If the same party no longer appreciates his value, then he should not hesitate to explore another platform because the masses of Benue are solidly behind him.”

“Politics is about people. Father Alia has the people. Wherever he goes politically, the people will follow him because they believe in his sincerity and leadership.”

Another loyalist from Ogbadibo Local Government Area said the governor should no longer tolerate what he described as persistent political hostility.

“Governor Alia should stop enduring this unnecessary political harassment from the Akume camp. Leadership should not be reduced to constant humiliation and internal sabotage.”

“The governor has shown respect and maturity despite the provocations, but there comes a point when enough is enough. If the party cannot guarantee him fairness, then he should consider other options.”

Meanwhile, a group identifying itself as Benue Grassroots Movement for Justice (BGMJ) said it was mobilising supporters to protest at the Government House if the governor continues to remain in the APC despite what it described as unfair treatment.

The group’s coordinator, Jacob Alishu Aondona, said: “We are already consulting across the 23 local government areas, and if the situation continues like this, we will stage a peaceful protest to Government House to tell the governor the truth, that the APC no longer respects him.

“The people voted for Father Alia in 2023 because of his integrity and compassion. If some politicians believe they can frustrate him within the party, then the people will demand that he moves to a platform where he will be given the respect he deserves.”

“This protest will be peaceful but firm. It will be a message from the grassroots that the governor should not allow himself to be politically undermined.”

However, other stakeholders within the party have expressed concern that the escalating conflict could lead to a total collapse of the APC structure in Benue if urgent reconciliation efforts are not undertaken.

They warn that prolonged factional battles may alienate grassroots supporters and weaken the party’s chances in future elections.

Some party elders have therefore called on national leaders of the APC to intervene decisively to restore unity and prevent further fragmentation.

Despite the mounting pressure on the governor to abandon the party, a senior aide to Governor Alia has dismissed such suggestions, insisting that the governor has no intention of defecting.

The aide maintained that “Father,” as the governor is fondly called by supporters, remains committed to the APC and will not decamp for anyone.

He said, “Father Alia will not decamp from the APC for anyone. He was elected on the platform of the party and he remains committed to its ideals.”

“Those speculating about defection are merely trying to create unnecessary political tension. The governor’s priority right now is governance and delivering development to the people of Benue.”

“Governor Alia believes in dialogue and party discipline. Whatever differences exist within the party will be resolved through the appropriate internal mechanisms.”

“The governor is not distracted by political noise. His focus is on improving the lives of Benue people and strengthening democratic institutions in the state.”
According to the aide, the governor’s focus remains on governance and delivering democratic dividends to the people of Benue rather than engaging in political distractions.

He expressed confidence that the issues within the party would eventually be resolved through dialogue and internal mechanisms.

As the crisis lingers, the future of the APC in Benue appears uncertain. With two parallel leadership structures and growing political tension between key power blocs, many observers believe the party must urgently resolve its internal conflicts to remain competitive ahead of the 2027 elections.

For now, the question remains whether reconciliation will prevail or whether the deepening divisions will push the party into further fragmentation.