N/Assembly caucus insists on Akume as APC leader in Benue

The Benue State All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly Caucus yesterday insisted that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, remain the leader of the party in the state. 

Philip Agbese, the joint spokesman for the NASS members and federal appointees from the state, stated this on Monday in a statement made available to our correspondent. 

Daily Trust reports that Governor Hyacinth Alia and Akume have been at odds over the control of the APC structure in the state since the party came to power in May 2023, despite efforts to resolve the crisis, especially an intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima, which failed, resulting in the APC having two secretariats under two chairmen in the state. 

The recent intervention by the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, towards resolving the crisis is also reported to have failed to make any impact, as evident by the positions of the stakeholders in the two groups after the meeting. 

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In Monday’s statement, Agbese affirmed that Akume remained the party leader in Benue according to the APC’s doctrine and philosophy. 

He emphasised that, in line with the party’s constitution and National Working Committee, Austin Agada, a loyalist of Akume, remained the state chairman. 

“We are committed to the party’s principles and are following the established party doctrine. That’s why members of the National Assembly caucus are highly respected in our constituencies,” the statement concluded.