Austine Agada in lone battle to save Benue APC from collapsing

Augustine Agada’s tale resonates with the African adage that compares a child who washes his hands clean to one who dines with the elders. In the political landscape of Benue, Agada is far from being a novice or a JJC; rather, he has been a resounding voice and a devoted disciple of the state’s leader, George Akume.

It came as no surprise when Agada was announced as the state chairman in 2022, a position he embraced with zeal. Much like the bird eneke, refusing to perch for fear of the hunter, Agada hit the ground running by unifying disgruntled party members.

His political journey includes contributing to Governor Samuel Ortom’s victory in the 2015 gubernatorial election in Benue. Despite Ortom’s departure from the APC in 2018, Agada, a loyal partyman, remained steadfast, even as he held the position of Special Assistant to the Governor.

In the lead-up to the 2023 election, Agada played a pivotal role in the emergence of Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia as the APC candidate. Under Agada’s leadership, the APC reclaimed power, securing victories in the general election, including the gubernatorial race and most state and national assembly seats.

However, a political rift erupted between George Akume and Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, causing loyalists to choose sides. Agada, having been with Akume for years, aligned with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), sparking a cold war within the party.

This marked the beginning of Agada’s challenges. Leaders from Benue South, his own stronghold, advocated for his removal, with Dan Onjeh filing a petition accusing him of betraying the party. Ironically, Onjeh seemed to forget Agada’s support during the 2016 rerun election in Benue South.

After Agada’s suspension, drama unfolded as some attempted to replace him. However, the party leadership swiftly overturned the suspension, maintaining Agada as the legitimate chairman pending a comprehensive review of the allegations against him.

Just when it seemed the storm had passed, leaders from Benue South purportedly announced Benjamin Omakolo as acting chairman, only for him to be suspended by the party leadership in Apa LGA.

Recent events include an attempt to forcibly remove Agada from office, resulting in a court order prohibiting him from presenting himself as chairman. Amidst the crisis, party leaders from Benue South remain passive, observing Agada’s plight as he faces the battle alone.

In the midst of this turmoil, the APC appears to be crumbling, and Agada finds himself in a solitary struggle to salvage it.