The leadership crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has persisted after reconciliation talks between rival camps loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, ended without a resolution.
Politics Nigeria reports that the failure to reach an agreement has prolonged the struggle for control of the party’s state structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite efforts by the APC national leadership to reconcile aggrieved members and restore unity.
The dispute centres on the state chairmanship, with Alia’s faction backing Benjamin Omale as chairman, while the Akume-aligned camp insists that Austin Agada remains the party’s legitimate leader in the state.
It was learnt that the rivalry has resulted in the emergence of parallel party secretariats in Makurdi, as well as a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions by the opposing camps.
A reconciliation meeting convened by the APC national secretariat was expected to resolve the dispute as part of a broader effort to address internal divisions within the ruling party.
However, sources familiar with the discussions said the meeting ended in a deadlock, with neither faction willing to relinquish its position on the contested chairmanship.
“The national delegation met with both sides separately. The issue is beyond chairmanship; it is about control of the party structure ahead of 2027. Neither Alia nor Akume is willing to concede,” a credible party source said.
Alia’s camp is reportedly seeking formal recognition of the Omale-led executive by the APC national leadership, alongside a fresh harmonisation of party structures at the ward level.
The Agada-backed faction, however, maintains that the party must uphold the outcome of the 2022 congress that produced Agada as state chairman.
Reacting to the failed reconciliation effort, Benedict Yawe, publicity secretary of the Omale-led faction, said his group remained committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue.
“Our position has always been clear, reconciliation is not only possible, it is necessary for the growth, unity, and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State,” Yawe said.
He maintained that his faction was confident in its legitimacy, citing its grassroots support, established party structures and commitment to democratic principles.
Yawe, however, said the confidence of his group should not be interpreted as hostility towards the opposing faction or a rejection of reconciliation.
“Our doors remain wide open to genuine reconciliation, meaningful dialogue, and an inclusive approach that puts the unity and future of the APC first. We are not interested in deepening divisions or creating unnecessary tensions within our party,” he said.
He stressed that any agreement must respect the party’s constitution and established structures rather than impose the interests of one faction on the other.
“We therefore call on all stakeholders to approach the reconciliation process with open minds, a genuine spirit of compromise, and a willingness to put the party first. We are ready to welcome our brothers and sisters back into a common political family because, at the end of the day, we are stronger together than apart,” Yawe added.
However, Morgan Ihomun, publicity secretary of the Agada-led faction, rejected suggestions that his group was responsible for the failure of the peace initiative.
Instead, he accused Governor Alia of undermining reconciliation efforts despite the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia has refused to genuinely reconcile the party despite the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. Instead of embracing reconciliation, he has continued to grandstand and insult critical stakeholders of the party, referring to them as ‘Jija Bokoti’ (expired buckets),” Ihomun said.
He also accused the governor of failing to build relationships with key party stakeholders since assuming office, claiming that Alia had not held a meeting with APC members of the National Assembly elected from the state.
According to Ihomun, the governor’s approach has widened divisions within the party and weakened relationships with political leaders and structures that contributed to his emergence in 2023.
“Alia has chosen to act like a lone ranger, giving the impression that he no longer needs the same party leaders, stakeholders and political structures that worked tirelessly to secure his emergence as governor in 2023,” he said.
Ihomun argued that resolving the crisis would require sincerity, mutual respect and recognition of what his faction considers legitimate party structures.
“Reconciliation cannot be achieved through propaganda, intimidation or the shifting of blame. It requires sincerity, mutual respect, recognition of legitimate party structures and a willingness to accommodate differing interests,” he said.
Despite the disagreement, Ihomun reaffirmed his faction’s support for Tinubu and said it was working towards the president’s re-election in 2027.
“We remain committed to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ideals of our great party. We are working hard for Mr President’s re-election in 2027,” he added.
