Benue APC crisis: Tsunami hits Alia’s camp as Alapa, Idoko, Okoriko, others pledge loyalty to Akume

The internal crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) deepened on Tuesday as prominent party leaders, including key figures previously aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia, declared their loyalty to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The leaders, drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts, converged on Abuja where they pledged to work with the SGF ahead of the 2027 general elections and unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

The delegation was led by former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Emmanuel Jime.

Speaking at the meeting, Jime urged Akume to take the lead in repositioning the APC in Benue State and restoring internal democracy within the party.

He lamented what he described as the erosion of democratic values in the state’s ruling party, appealing to the SGF to promote inclusiveness, fairness and unity among party stakeholders.

Jime also praised Akume’s leadership style, describing him as a humble and compassionate politician whose politics had inspired loyalty over the years.

Receiving the delegation, Akume expressed optimism that Benue was on the path to regaining its political and economic relevance.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF thanked the party leaders for their support and urged them to remain united in the interest of the state’s development.

He stressed that cooperation among APC stakeholders was critical to political stability and electoral success.

Akume also appealed for continued support for President Tinubu’s administration, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to deliver sustainable development and improve the lives of Nigerians.

The former Benue governor dismissed suggestions that members of the delegation were politically displaced, insisting they remained experienced leaders with valuable contributions to make to the party and the state.

Commenting on governance in Benue, Akume said the Federal Government had consistently met its financial obligations to states and local governments through increased statutory allocations.

“I know that the President, in a most unprecedented manner, has pushed a lot of money to the states and the local governments.

“All the tiers of government have access to the Federation Account. If we can’t develop our state, it’s not the fault of Mr President. He is doing what he is supposed to do for the country and for the states, and Benue is no exception,” he said.

In what appeared to be a reconciliatory message amid the lingering divisions within the Benue APC, Akume said he harboured no resentment against any political actor in the state and called on all party leaders to unite behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The meeting ended with a unanimous vote of confidence in Akume’s leadership and an endorsement of Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

The motion was moved by former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Dan Ali, and seconded by former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Joe Abaagu.

Among those who attended the meeting were Chief Nelson Alapa, Chief Patrick Idoko, Douglas Pepe (SAN), Prof. Cephas Tushima, Peter Ashiekaa, Prof. Usa, Beetseh, Joy Liga, David Igbosa, Austin Agbada and Dr. Msoo Igbo, among other APC stakeholders.

The meeting is expected to further heighten political tensions within the Benue APC, which has remained divided between supporters of Governor Alia and those loyal to the SGF.