Power Struggle Deepens in Benue APC as Alia Asserts Independence
Since the election of Hyacinth Iormen Alia as governor of Benue State, it has become increasingly clear that the cleric-turned-politician intends to run the state independently, without relying on traditional political godfathers.
From the beginning of his administration, Governor Alia has projected himself as a leader determined to take control of governance on his own terms. Key decisions, including the appointment of commissioners, local government chairmen, and other political office holders, were reportedly taken without consultation with influential party figures.
Many observers say this approach has allowed the governor to consolidate his authority in the state, widely referred to as the “food basket of the nation.”
However, the governor’s leadership style has reportedly unsettled some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, particularly supporters of George Akume.
Over time, the relationship between both camps has become strained. Supporters of the governor often frame the dispute as a battle between the “masses” and entrenched political “stakeholders.” According to them, once a vehicle begins moving after being pushed, those who helped start it should step aside — a remark widely interpreted as a subtle reference to Akume, who played a key role in providing the political structure that aided Alia’s emergence as governor.
Shortly after taking office, Governor Alia signalled his independence when forming the Benue State Executive Council. Reports indicate that he rejected several names allegedly recommended by Akume.
A similar scenario unfolded during the selection of principal officers of the state House of Assembly. Instead of supporting the party’s preferred candidate for Speaker, the governor reportedly backed a different contender.
The tension escalated further when Alia rejected a list of 23 local government committee chairmen submitted by the party and instead appointed his own caretaker chairmen — a move that drew criticism from the party leadership.
Another major flashpoint came when the governor declined to recognise the Austin Agada-led State Working Committee of the APC in Benue. Through these decisions, Alia effectively asserted influence over both the state government and the party’s structure.
While many of his supporters insist he is the rightful leader of the party in the state, another faction continues to recognise Akume as the APC leader in Benue.
Concerned by the growing division, Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly attempted to calm tensions during a visit to the state. Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged party members to maintain unity, emphasising Benue’s importance to the APC’s future electoral prospects.
Speaking on the situation, former governorship aspirant Shimataver Atedze argued that the governor should naturally lead the party in the state, noting that since 1999 sitting governors have traditionally served as party leaders in their respective states.
He added that using party structures to undermine the governor would be unacceptable, suggesting that some of the criticism directed at Alia may be linked to comparisons between his performance and those of past administrations.
Atedze also expressed confidence that the internal disagreements would not affect the governor’s chances in the 2027 elections, predicting that Alia would secure a second term on the APC platform.
However, Daniel Ihomun, who represents the Akume-backed faction of the party, described the prolonged dispute as unfortunate and unhealthy for the APC.
Despite this, he expressed optimism that party leaders would eventually resolve their differences before the next general election and maintained that the APC would still perform strongly at the polls.
Meanwhile, senior APC figure Barnabas Gemade dismissed claims of factional divisions within the party. According to him, the successful conduct of party congresses from ward to state levels shows that there are no factions and that Governor Alia remains the undisputed leader of the APC in Benue State.
