Trouble in Alia’s camp as tribunal sacks 6 Benue LG chairmen, Akume-backed faction wins

The political rivalry between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has reached a new crescendo following the recent verdicts delivered by the Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal.

In a series of decisive rulings, the tribunal upheld victories for candidates loyal to Akume, further solidifying his grip on the grassroots politics of the state.

The tribunal’s decisions have rocked the political landscape in Benue, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where a power struggle between Alia and Akume has been intensifying. The tribunal ruled in favor of the Akume-backed APC candidates in six local government areas, effectively nullifying the election victories of Alia’s loyalists.

The affected councils include Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo, Otukpo, and Agatu. These decisions have not only dealt a blow to Alia’s faction but have also cemented Akume’s influence in the state’s political affairs, ensuring that his loyalists are in control of the affected councils.

The outcome has left Alia’s faction facing a significant setback, as the tribunal’s decisions go against their expectations and ambitions.

This ongoing political battle between the two APC factions in Benue is not new. Tensions between Alia and Akume have been simmering for months, with both leaders seeking to assert dominance over the state’s political machinery.

Akume, a veteran politician with deep roots in Benue’s political landscape, has been working to consolidate his influence, while Alia, who was elected governor in 2023, has been striving to maintain control over the state’s political direction and party structures.

The political rift has been most visible within the local government elections, where the results of the council polls have become a battleground for both factions.

Akume’s faction has steadily gained ground in the legal battle, as the tribunal continues to rule in their favor. The latest series of rulings reinforces the narrative that Akume’s hold over Benue’s political apparatus is growing stronger, while Alia’s influence is waning.

Further complicating the political dynamics is the role of Austin Agada, another key figure in the APC, who has supported Akume’s faction, creating a formidable alliance against Alia. Agada’s influence in the state has been a significant factor in the ongoing rivalry, as he and Akume continue to build a coalition capable of challenging Alia’s control.

The outcome of these tribunal rulings is just one chapter in the ongoing political war between Governor Alia and Senator Akume.