The crisis engulfing the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to have no end in sight. Since the beginning of the new government led by Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, a leadership dispute has plagued the party. Alleged tensions between Alia and the party’s state leader, George Akume, who is also the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, have created a significant rift within the party, with members aligning themselves with either faction.
While the state party chairman, Austin Agada, and the majority of the executive committee remain loyal to Akume, a few others have sided with Alia. Agada, a staunch supporter of Akume, has been critical of the state governor, possibly contributing to his current predicament. Recently, Dan Onjeh, the APC senatorial candidate in the 2023 Benue South election, filed a petition against Agada, accusing him of undermining the party during the last election.
In response, the former Ward Chairman of Ehaje 1 suspended Agada, but the national body swiftly overturned the suspension pending a review. Nevertheless, on Thursday, Benjamin Omakolo, the State Welfare Secretary, was purportedly announced as the acting chairman of the party. However, Omakolo was later suspended by the party’s disciplinary committee in Apa LGA for alleged financial misconduct, insubordination, and consistent non-payment of party dues.
Reports suggest that the governor is now aligned with Omakolo and is actively working to reverse his suspension, no longer supporting Agada as the party chairman. This shift became evident as a State High Court in Makurdi restrained Agada from acting as the party chairman, contrary to the National Working Committee’s position that Agada remains the legitimate State Chairman.
Sources indicate that the governor perceives Agada as an obstacle to sidelining Senator George Akume and aims to replace him with Omakolo. Plans allegedly include orchestrating party executives in Igoro, Apa LGA, to deny authorizing Omakolo’s suspension in a press conference at the Government House.
This development follows an attack on Agada at the party secretariat, leading to his removal by the police. Concerns have been raised by party members, with one expressing worry about the challenges facing Agada within the party, emphasizing his pivotal role in securing the state for the APC and winning seats in the recent general elections.
However, another party source places blame on Agada, accusing him of disrespecting the governor and justifying the governor’s actions based on alleged disloyalty.
