The precarious reconciliation between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, appears to be collapsing, suggesting that a fresh crisis is developing inside the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State.
Deep-rooted conflicts still exist despite Sunday’s high-level peace conference, especially with regard to the divisive topic of automatic tickets for elected officials ahead of the next election cycle.
The conflict between Alia and Akume began in the wake of the 2023 general elections, when the two leaders clashed over authority over the state’s political appointments and party structure.
The APC in Benue was split into two opposing groups as a result of a minor disagreement that quickly turned into a full-fledged internal dispute.
Austin Agada headed one group that stayed faithful to Akume, while Ben Omakolo, the state chairman at the time, led another group that supported Governor Alia.
When both groups had parallel congresses in March 2026 and produced different sets of party executives, tensions reached a breaking point.
The side supported by Alia maintained that its congress represented party members’ wishes and adhered to due process. The leadership situation was exacerbated when the Akume-aligned group organized a rival congress and rejected the exercise.Agada was effectively relegated to the background, and Akume’s hold on the party structure in the state was weakened as a result of the national leadership of the APC eventually recognizing the congress convened by the Alia group, which resulted in Ben Omale being appointed as chairman.The governor vehemently opposed the suggestion, according to sources who were familiar with the discussion and who spoke to DAILY POST. Akume maintained that automatic tickets would assure continuity and reward loyalty, but the governor disapproved of the notion.I feel that this is only a request and not a resolution because the APC has made it quite clear that there is no automatic ticket. Mr. President has mentioned this on multiple occasions, and the National Chairman of the APC also underlined that there is no automatic ticket.I feel that this is only a request and not a resolution because the APC has made it quite clear that there is no automatic ticket. Mr. President has mentioned this on multiple occasions, and the National Chairman of the APC also underlined that there is no automatic ticket.Just as preparations for the 2027 election cycle start to pick up steam, the party may be on the verge of another round of internal strife due to conflicting interests, unsolved complaints, and the ongoing struggle for control.
About The Author
