A fresh rift is emerging within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, threatening to unravel the fragile peace between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, just months after a high-level reconciliation meeting. The latest crisis centers on Akume’s proposal for automatic tickets for sitting APC officials ahead of the 2027 elections, a move firmly rejected by Governor Alia, who insists on a transparent primary process. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and a peace meeting held on Sunday, deep divisions remain, raising concerns over the party’s unity and electoral prospects in the state.
The conflict between Alia and Akume traces back to the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, when disagreements over party control and political appointments led to a bitter split. The APC in Benue fractured into two rival factions: one led by Austin Agada, loyal to Akume, and the other under Ben Omakolo, aligned with Governor Alia. The situation escalated in March 2026 when both factions held parallel congresses, each producing separate sets of party executives. The national leadership of the APC eventually recognized the Alia-backed congress, which installed Ben Omale as state chairman, effectively sidelining Agada and weakening Akume’s influence.
President Tinubu stepped in to mediate, urging both leaders to reconcile for the sake of the party’s future. The Sunday meeting was seen as a positive step, but it instead revealed new tensions. At the core of the disagreement is Akume’s push for automatic tickets for Governor Alia and other elected APC officials, including members of the National and State Assemblies. Sources close to the meeting told DAILY POST that while Akume argued the move would ensure continuity and reward loyalty, Governor Alia rejected it outright.
Alia emphasized that the APC’s national leadership, including President Tinubu and the National Chairman, has consistently ruled out automatic tickets. He described Akume’s proposal as a “prayer” rather than an official policy, stating it should not be taken as a directive. “This is not an official position of either the national party or the federal government,” Alia said. “As I understand it, this was a reconciliatory meeting. He has the right to make such appeals and offer prayers. It is essentially an appeal to the entire citizenry to see whether they can bring these individuals back. However, I think that approach is misguided.”
The governor warned that imposing candidates could reignite internal conflict and undermine party structures. He also expressed concern over members of the National Assembly loyal to Akume returning unchallenged. With elections on the horizon and unresolved grievances still simmering, the APC in Benue faces the real possibility of another leadership crisis, potentially fracturing the party once again just as the 2027 election cycle begins.
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