The internal conflict within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has escalated, as Governor Hyacinth Alia reportedly ordered the closure of the secretariat of a faction loyal to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. This move effectively halted a scheduled State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting organized by the Akume faction, led by Austin Agada.
The power struggle between Governor Alia and Akume over control of the Benue APC has intensified, with each side attempting to assert dominance. While Agada leads the Akume faction, the acting chairman of the Alia faction is Benjamin Omakolo. Both factions had planned parallel SEC meetings on Thursday, but Governor Alia issued a ban on the gathering by Akume’s faction.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Alia emphasized his role as the leader of the APC in Benue State and warned of consequences for anyone attempting to disrupt the state’s peace by organizing unauthorized meetings. He asserted that no APC meeting could take place without his knowledge or approval, given his position as both the party leader and the state’s Chief Security Officer.
On the other hand, Daniel Ihomun, the state Publicity Secretary of the Agada-led faction, accused Governor Alia of targeting Akume’s supporters. He claimed that miscreants sent by the governor had looted their secretariat after it was sealed.
As of the time of the report, the meeting convened by Alia’s faction had not yet begun, while the secretariat remained closed amidst ongoing road construction in the area.
