Benue APC: Loyalists of Akume, Gov Alia renew feud

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Comrade Austin Agada, has reiterated members’ loyalty to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as the party leader in the state. 

Agada also praised President Bola Tinubu and Akume for their exemplary leadership over the past year, noting their high integrity and foresight. He made these remarks during a special prayer session at the Makurdi residence of the SGF, commending the president’s policies and their potential to drive Nigeria’s growth and development. 

Agada thanked the president for the numerous appointments given to Benue indigenes and assured continued support for his administration.  

“Anyone claiming that the president has not included the state in his government is lying. He has sufficiently patronised us, and for this, we will support him at all times. For the SGF, he remains our leader, and we will not disappoint him. We will continue to pray for his success,” Agada said.

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He also urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to remember the efforts made by the party to ensure his election, expressing confidence that the governor would realign with party expectations. 

Jonathan Agbidyeh, representing Katsina-Ala East, who spoke on behalf of eight Benue State House of Assembly members loyal to the SGF, pledged their unwavering support. 

In response, James Ornguga, the state APC organising secretary under the faction loyal to the governor, criticised Agada’s faction for undermining Governor Alia as the state party leader. 

Ornguga highlighted the convention that all party decisions should be directed to the governor, who would then consult the SGF if needed. 

Ornguga attributed the party’s current divisions to Agada’s mistakes during his tenure as chairman, noting that he often bypassed the governor in decision-making processes. He called for respect for Governor Alia, emphasising that the governor deserved due recognition. 

“Yes, the party provided a platform for Gov. Hyacinth Alia to contest, and he won with his cult followership, but that does not make him a lesser governor. He deserves respect,” he said.