The internal conflict within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has intensified as Governor Hyacinth Alia reportedly sealed off the secretariat of the faction loyal to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
On Thursday, Alia issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, announcing the suspension of a State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting planned by the Akume faction, led by Austin Agada. This move adds to the ongoing power struggle between Alia and Akume over control of the Benue APC. While Agada heads Akume’s faction, Benjamin Omakolo serves as the acting chairman of the Alia faction.
Both factions had scheduled parallel SEC meetings for the same day, but Alia intervened to ban the meeting convened by Akume’s group. In his statement, Alia emphasized that any unauthorized gatherings could disrupt state peace and warned of potential consequences.
Alia asserted, “As the APC leader in the state and the Chief Security Officer, I must be informed of any legitimate gatherings. No APC meeting can be held without my approval.”