APC Reconciliation Talks Collapse in Benue as Alia, Akume Factions Fail to Agree

Efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve its lingering leadership crisis in Benue State have suffered a setback, after rival factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, failed to reach a compromise.

Despite moves by the party’s national leadership to restore peace, the dispute remains unresolved, raising fresh concerns about the APC’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.

The Benue APC has been locked in a prolonged leadership tussle, with two factions laying claim to the state chairmanship. Alia’s camp recognises Benjamin Omale as the party’s state chairman, while the Akume-aligned faction insists that Austin Agada remains the authentic chairman.

The disagreement has led to parallel party secretariats in Makurdi, along with a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions between the rival groups.

A reconciliation meeting organised by the APC national secretariat, part of its broader efforts to resolve internal disputes nationwide, was expected to produce a breakthrough. However, sources familiar with the discussions said the meeting ended without agreement, as neither faction was willing to step back from its position on the chairmanship.

“The national delegation met with both sides separately. The issue is beyond chairmanship; it is about control of the party structure ahead of 2027. Neither Alia nor Akume is willing to concede,” a party source said.

According to the source, the governor’s faction wants the national leadership to officially recognise the Omale-led executive and conduct a fresh harmonisation of party structures at the ward level. The Akume-backed group, on the other hand, insists the party must respect the outcome of the 2022 congress that produced Agada as chairman.

Benedict Yawe, publicity secretary of the Omale-led faction, said his group remains open to a peaceful resolution.

“Our position has always been clear, reconciliation is not only possible, it is necessary for the growth, unity, and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State. As a party, we must rise above personal differences and recognize that our collective interest is far greater than the ambitions of any individual or group,” he said.

He added that while his group remains confident in its structure and grassroots support, that confidence should not be mistaken for unwillingness to compromise.

“Our doors remain wide open to genuine reconciliation, meaningful dialogue, and an inclusive approach that puts the unity and future of the APC first. We are not interested in deepening divisions or creating unnecessary tensions within our party,” Yawe said, adding that any reconciliation must be “sincere, principled, and guided by respect for the party’s constitution, established structures, and legitimate leadership.”

On the other side, Morgan Ihomun, publicity secretary of the Agada-led faction, dismissed claims that his group was responsible for the collapse of the peace talks. He instead accused Governor Alia of failing to make genuine efforts toward reconciliation, despite the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

“Governor Hyacinth Alia has refused to genuinely reconcile the party despite the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. Instead of embracing reconciliation, he has continued to grandstand and insult critical stakeholders of the party,” Ihomun said, adding that Alia has not held a single meeting with APC members of the National Assembly since becoming governor.

“Rather than unite the party, his style of leadership has deepened divisions and distrust. Alia has chosen to act like a lone ranger, giving the impression that he no longer needs the same party leaders, stakeholders and political structures that worked tirelessly to secure his emergence as governor in 2023,” he said.

Ihomun maintained that his faction remains committed to Tinubu’s leadership and is working toward his re-election in 2027.

Political observers have warned that the unresolved crisis could weaken the APC’s chances in Benue State come 2027, especially as opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), look to capitalise on the division.

There are indications that the APC national leadership may consider imposing a political settlement or setting up a caretaker committee if the two factions fail to reach an agreement in the coming weeks. For now, both camps continue to operate independently, issuing separate statements and mobilising supporters ahead of the elections.