Political Instability in Benue: APC’s Loss of Peace Since Governor Alia’s Election

In the aftermath of the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Benue State, Nigeria, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been facing significant political instability.

The recent election of Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia as the Governor has led to a loss of peace within the party, according to Senator Titus Zam, the federal lawmaker representing Benue North West.

During a stakeholder meeting in Makurdi, Senator Zam expressed his disappointment in Governor Alia’s behavior, despite the support he received from the party during his campaign.

The governor has been accused of abandoning the party and not recognizing Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and a former governor of the state, as the leader of the party in Benue.

The stakeholders have resolved to withhold their support for Governor Alia until he acknowledges Akume’s leadership and works towards restoring peace within the party.

The political instability has been attributed to the ongoing leadership crisis and the struggle for control of the party’s structure in the state.

The situation has become so dire that on Friday, the party’s chairman, Agada, was allegedly stoned on his way to his office.

This event has been described as an embarrassing situation for the party, especially when compared to the peaceful conduct of the rival People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The stakeholders are now seeking the intervention of the national secretariat of the APC to help resolve the political instability in Benue and restore peace within the party.

The situation has been further complicated by the fact that Governor Alia is new to politics and was given the party’s ticket to run for the gubernatorial position despite others having more experience within the party.

As the political instability in Benue continues, it remains to be seen if Governor Alia will recognize Akume’s leadership and work towards a resolution.

The APC’s future in the state is uncertain, and it is essential for the national secretariat to take action to ensure that the party can regain its footing and maintain its influence in the region.