Benue APC crisis: Gov Alia under fire for disrespecting Tinubu

The Benue National Assembly Caucus has voiced strong criticism against Governor Hycient Alia for allegedly rejecting peace initiatives put forward by President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve the ongoing crisis within the party in Benue State.

IDOMA VOICE reports that barely two months into Alia’s governorship, internal tensions within the Benue APC have escalated, further complicating party unity ahead of the October 5 local government elections.

The crisis reached a new peak as the APC in Benue produced parallel chairmanship and councillorship candidates for various positions, a move seen by analysts as a direct challenge to President Tinubu’s call for unity.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Philip Agbese, spokesperson for the Benue National Assembly Caucus, expressed disappointment over Alia’s alleged disregard for the President’s peace efforts.

“It’s a hindrance to the party’s progress for anyone, particularly the Governor, to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s peace efforts aimed at stabilizing the APC in Benue,” Agbese stated.

He went on to accuse Governor Alia of prioritizing personal interests over party unity and accused him of making secretive decisions to undermine key party members.

Agbese further alleged that Alia was enlisting non-APC members in his ongoing political feud with Senator George Akume, the leader of the party in the North Central region.

Reflecting on Alia’s political history, Agbese remarked that the forces Alia once claimed were against him during his campaign appear to have now become his allies.

He reassured the public that despite the internal challenges, National Assembly members from Benue remain loyal to the APC and committed to strengthening the party ahead of future elections.

“Under the guidance of our North Central leader, Distinguished Senator George Akume, we will overcome these distractions and secure even greater victories in 2027,” Agbese added.