Benue: CSO, Others Seek Tinubu, APC’s Intervention In Rift Between Alia, Akume

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) and minority opposition parties in Benue State have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to 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 Governor Hyacinth Iornem Alia have been locked in a protracted political dispute since 2023, bordering on the control of the state party structure and loyalty, with supporters divided into two opposing camps.

Addressing a press conference at Top Rank Hotel, Utako, Abuja, on Wednesday, the coalition alleged that Akume and other APC chieftains were running a parallel structure to undermine the governor.

In a statement jointly issued by Comrade Richard Oduma, Joseph Uyeh, Jonah Ojobo and Dr Agbo Madaki after the press conference, they linked the SGF to 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.”

It 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.

“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 former Governor of Benue State, Senator and Minister, his mandate is to build bridges, not destroy them,” the statement read.

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 in 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 jeopardise the security and development of our people. The failure to act and put an end to these political confrontations could undermine governance and democratic stability in the state,” the statement added.

The coalition threatened to embark on a statewide protest if the alleged activities persist, insisting that protecting the peace, stability and political future of Benue State remains its priority.