A fresh crisis has engulfed the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after two factions of the party conducted parallel congresses in Makurdi and elected different state chairmen. The development has deepened divisions within the ruling party in the state.
Austin Agada emerged as state chairman from a congress aligned with George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). At the same time, a rival faction loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia elected Benjamin Omale as chairman in a separate exercise.
The parallel congresses were both held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Each faction claimed legitimacy and support from party stakeholders.
Agada was returned as chairman during a congress reportedly attended by party stakeholders from all 23 local government areas of the state. The faction maintained that the exercise followed due process and reflected the will of party members.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were said to have observed the Agada-led congress. Security agencies were also reportedly present to monitor proceedings.
The rival congress that produced Omale as chairman was organised by a faction of the party loyal to Governor Alia. Details of INEC’s presence at the parallel event were not immediately clear.
The emergence of two chairmen underscores the growing internal rift within the Benue APC. The division appears to reflect a power struggle between loyalists of the SGF and supporters of the state governor.
In his acceptance speech, Agada expressed gratitude to party members for renewing his mandate. He recalled the party’s journey from opposition to winning power in the state.
“In 2022, when you gave us the mandate to lead you, we assured you that the APC, which was then the opposition party, would be brought to power, which we did,” Agada said.
He commended party members for their loyalty and sacrifices. He noted that their commitment had helped build the party despite challenges.
“Throughout, you did not betray us despite your suffering to build this party, and now that you have renewed our tenure, we will not disappoint you,” he added.
Agada’s remarks suggested confidence in the legitimacy of his re-election. His faction insists that the congress was properly convened and inclusive.
The rival faction, however, has put forward Benjamin Omale as the authentic state chairman. His emergence signals that the disagreement within the party remains unresolved.
The crisis comes at a critical time for the APC in Benue State. Internal divisions could affect party cohesion and its political strength ahead of future elections.
Party stakeholders have yet to issue a unified statement addressing the parallel congresses. It remains unclear how the national leadership of the APC will respond to the situation.
Political observers say such factional disputes could lead to prolonged legal and administrative battles. The recognition of one chairman over the other may ultimately depend on the party’s national executive and relevant authorities.
For now, both factions appear to be standing firm on their positions. Each camp is laying claim to legitimacy and the backing of party structures within the state.
The development highlights ongoing tensions within the Benue APC. Unless reconciled, the crisis could further deepen divisions among party members.
As events continue to unfold, attention is likely to shift to the national leadership of the APC and INEC for clarity on the recognized state leadership. The outcome may determine the direction of the party in Benue in the coming months.
