BETTY IRABOR ANNOUNCED THE DEATH OF HER MOTHER. (PHOTO).
Fresh cracks have emerged in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, threatening the fragile reconciliation between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Despite a high-level peace meeting convened on Sunday, deep disagreements persist, particularly over the contentious proposal for automatic tickets for elected officials ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The renewed tension stems from a long-running power struggle between the two leaders, which began after the 2023 elections over control of the party structure and political appointments. The conflict led to the polarisation of the APC in Benue into rival factions, one loyal to Akume, led by Austin Agada, and the other aligned with Governor Alia.
Tensions peaked in March 2026 when the factions held parallel congresses, producing separate executive committees. The national leadership of the APC later recognised the congress conducted by the Alia group, which produced Ben Omale as state chairman, a decision that significantly weakened Akume’s influence in the state.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention to foster unity ahead of future elections, the Sunday meeting was expected to solidify peace. However, sources say the session instead highlighted fresh divisions, especially on the issue of automatic tickets.
Akume reportedly pushed for automatic tickets for Governor Alia and other elected APC officials, including National and State Assembly members, arguing it would ensure continuity and reward loyalty. Governor Alia, however, rejected the proposal outright, insisting that all aspirants must undergo transparent primary elections.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Alia dismissed the idea of automatic tickets, saying:
“Because the APC has made it very clear, Mr. President has stated this several times and the National Chairman of the APC also emphasized at the time that there is no automatic ticket. I believe this is merely a request, not a resolution. It is a prayer directed to the people of the state… This is not an official position of either the national party or the federal government.”
The governor warned that imposing candidates could trigger another round of internal crisis and said he was not ready to “gamble with the structure of the party.”
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