Benue APC civil war: Alia, Akume camps set for showdown as parallel congresses hold today

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State is heading into a dramatic showdown today as rival factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, prepare to conduct parallel state congresses.

What should have been a routine internal party exercise has evolved into a full-blown supremacy battle, with both camps laying claim to legitimacy ahead of today’s decisive congress.

IDOMA VOICE reports that at the centre of the storm stand two powerful brothers: the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, two Tiv natives, once allies, now leaders of rival camps fighting for control of the party structure.

What began as quiet disagreements following the 2023 elections has evolved into a full-blown political confrontation threatening to fracture the APC in the state. Recent developments have only deepened the divide.

Fresh turmoil erupted after parallel ward and local government congresses were conducted across Benue’s 276 wards during the week, with rival factions producing competing executives, each claiming legitimacy and recognition.

Governor Alia’s faction has announced that its state congress will hold at the IBB Square in Makurdi, insisting that all arrangements have been concluded in line with party guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Akume-backed camp, led by Austin Agada, has also constituted a central planning committee and various sub-committees, declaring its readiness to conduct its own congress in compliance with directives from the party’s National Working Committee.

The parallel preparations signal a deepening division within the ruling party in the state.

The crisis is rooted in a lingering struggle over control of the party structure in Benue. While Governor Alia commands influence as the state’s chief executive, the Akume camp maintains strong ties within established party organs.

Both sides had earlier conducted parallel ward and local government congresses — a development that foreshadowed today’s clash.

Observers say the battle is fundamentally about leadership supremacy and control of the party machinery ahead of future political calculations.

Explaining the decision of the Akume camp to re-adopt Austin Agada and the existing executive members for another term, Chief Philip Agbese, member representing Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, said continuity and stability informed the move.

According to him, the executives had performed creditably and deserved another term to consolidate party gains.

Agbese maintained that the action was in line with constitutional provisions and aimed at preventing unnecessary disruption within the APC in Benue.

IDOMA VOICE observed that ahead of today’s parallel congresses, tensions remain high in Makurdi, the state capital.

Both factions insist their processes are legitimate, setting the stage for potential disputes over recognition of outcomes.

For now, all eyes are on Makurdi as the Benue APC faces what may become one of its most defining internal battles.