Benue APC Crisis Deepens as Parallel Ward Congresses Produce Dual Structures

The crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has intensified following the conduct of parallel ward congresses by factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

The exercises, held across the state’s 23 local government areas, produced two separate sets of ward executives, effectively creating dual party structures at the grassroots level. Political observers warn that the development could have significant implications for party unity and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

APC Parallel Congresses and Conflicting Claims

The faction aligned with the SGF, led by Comrade Austin Agada, announced that existing ward executives were reaffirmed for another four-year term. State Publicity Secretary Daniel Ihomun described the congresses as peaceful and consistent with directives from the APC national secretariat.

In contrast, the governor’s camp, under Chief Benjamin Omale, declared that new ward executives emerged through a consensus-based election process. The State Organising Secretary of the Alia-led faction, James Ornguga, rejected claims of automatic reaffirmation, arguing that party rules do not permit incumbents to remain in office without fresh elections.

Ornguga stated that ward executives’ tenure ended in July 2025, local government executives’ tenure concluded in September 2025, and state executives’ tenure expired on February 8, 2026. He maintained that the process conducted by the governor’s faction was legitimate and transparent, reflecting the will of party members.

Roots of the Dispute and Legal Battles

The rift within the Benue APC reportedly dates back to disagreements over key appointments early in Governor Alia’s administration. It was widely reported that SGF Akume recommended Engr. Nick Wende for the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), but the governor appointed Professor Joseph Alkali instead.

Tensions further escalated over leadership positions in the State House of Assembly, with allegations that nominees preferred by the Akume camp were sidelined. The situation worsened following the removal of Comrade Austin Agada from the party secretariat, the suspension of 13 lawmakers aligned with the SGF, and restrictions on certain political activities within the state.

Although two court rulings reportedly favoured the SGF-aligned faction, the decisions did not restore its access to the party secretariat, compelling the group to organise its congresses separately. Both camps insist their exercises complied with APC guidelines, leaving the state chapter operating under parallel structures.

Political Implications and Shifting Alliances in APC

Political analysts have cautioned that the existence of dual ward executives could create confusion among members, complicate delegate selection processes, and undermine grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.

Terna Ihom, a political commentator based in Makurdi, observed that the parallel congresses have solidified the divide within the party. According to him, each faction now controls its own political machinery, a development that may influence candidate selection and electoral outcomes. He noted that meaningful reconciliation would likely require decisive intervention from the party’s national leadership.

Meanwhile, Governor Alia’s camp has gained renewed momentum following the defection of former Governor Gabriel Suswam to the APC. Suswam’s alignment is widely perceived as strengthening the governor’s political standing amid the ongoing dispute.

While the Alia faction claimed oversight by national committees from Abuja, the SGF-aligned camp maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored its proceedings. An INEC official, however, clarified that the commission only monitors congresses conducted by committees officially recognised by a party’s national secretariat and does not intervene in internal factional disputes.

As the dispute persists, the Benue chapter of the APC faces the challenge of reconciling competing claims of legitimacy while safeguarding its electoral prospects in the years ahead.