The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State is grappling with a deepening internal crisis following the conduct of parallel ward congresses by factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
DAILY POST reports that the rival exercises, held across the state’s 23 local government areas, produced separate sets of ward executives—cementing a divide that threatens party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The SGF-aligned faction, led by Comrade Austin Agada, claimed that existing ward executives were reaffirmed for another four-year term through a vote of confidence, describing the process as peaceful and compliant with national secretariat directives.
Conversely, the governor-aligned faction under Benjamin Omale declared that new ward executives emerged through consensus-based elections. State Organising Secretary James Ornguga rejected the “automatic reaffirmation” claim, noting that ward executives’ tenure expired in July 2025 and fresh elections were mandatory under party rules.
Political analysts warn that the parallel structures could complicate delegate selection and undermine grassroots mobilization. Commentator Terna Ihom noted that each faction now controls its own machinery, urging national intervention.
The crisis traces back to disagreements over key appointments early in Alia’s administration, including the SSG position and legislative leadership. Former Governor Gabriel Suswam’s recent defection to the APC has bolstered Alia’s camp, shifting the political balance.
While the Alia faction claims oversight by national committees, the Akume camp insists INEC monitored their process. An INEC official clarified the commission only monitors officially recognized party committees.
APC senatorial candidate Dan Onjeh dismissed reports of parallel congresses, insisting the party remains united under recognized national authority. However, factional spokesman Daniel Ihomun admitted parallel congresses occurred but declared the Alia-led faction’s process “null and void.”
With both sides entrenched and Suswam’s influence strengthening the governor’s camp, national leadership now faces pressure to harmonize outcomes or officially recognize one structure.
Disclaimer: This report is based on the original article from Daily Post Nigeria. CDA News Nigeria does not claim ownership of the source material.
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