A Coalition of civil society organisations and minority opposition parties in Benue State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to urgently intervene in the lingering political crisis within the party in the state.
Recall that Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iornem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State have been locked in a protracted political dispute since 2023, bothering on the control of state party structure and loyalty, with supporters divided into two opposing camps.
Addressing a press conference at Top Rank Hotel, Utako, Abuja, in a statement dated October 16, 2027 and jointly signed by Comrade Richard Oduma, Joseph Uyeh, Jonah Ojobo and Dr. Agbo Madaki, the Coalition accused the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator the George Akume, and some APC stalwarts of promoting parallel political structures aimed at undermining Governor Alia’s administration.
The Coalition alleged that Akume was spearheading a “rainbow coalition” involving elements of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) to weaken the governor’s political influence.
According to the group, “such activities could deepen political divisions, trigger insecurity and undermine President Tinubu’s electoral prospects in Benue State if not checked and tackled immediately”
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The Coalition expressed support for the position of the APC Governors’ Forum recognising serving governors as party leaders in their respective states, urging the national leadership to uphold the principle.
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“We advise the SGF to remember that he is a statesman, not an opposition leader. As the highest ranking member of the ruling party in the North Central zone and a term Governor of Benue State, Senator and Minister, his mandate is to build bridges, not destroy them,” the release stated.
It also urged National Assembly members allegedly aligned with Akume to reconcile with Governor Alia, while calling on the APC leadership to caution Barrister Pius Akutah over his alleged involvement anti party activities deliberately tailored to target the second term ambition of Governor Alia.
“We will not sit idly by while personal egos and interests jeopardize the security and development of our people. The failure to act and put an end to these political confrontation could undermine governance and democratic stability in the state” the release added.
The coalition threatened to embark on a statewide protest if the alleged activities persisted, insisting that protecting the peace and stability of Benue remains a priority.
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