Benue APC Power Struggle Intensifies as Governor Alia and SGF Akume Factions Clash at North Central Zonal Congress

Governor Hyacinth Alia and SGF George Akume take their political rivalry to the APC North Central congress as both factions claim legitimacy in Benue.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 5:20 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP Media Group

A Divided Front in the North Central

The deep-seated political animosity between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, reached a new height during the APC North Central zonal congress in Nasarawa State. Rather than presenting a unified Benue delegation, the two camps operated as distinct entities, arriving and departing from the Lafia venue separately. This visible fragmentation underscores a persistent struggle for the soul of the party in Benue State, as both leaders seek to consolidate their influence within the regional and national hierarchy of the ruling party.

The Recognition of Chief Benjamin Omale

Supporters of Governor Alia have interpreted the events in Lafia as a definitive validation of their leadership structure. James Ornguga, the Benue APC State Organising Secretary and a key loyalist to the Governor, publicly declared that Chief Benjamin Omale was confirmed as the authentic state chairman during the proceedings. Ornguga characterized the outcome as the "Alia effect," suggesting that the Governor’s political maneuvering successfully secured Omale’s position on the official stage. Evidence of this recognition was noted in the event’s brochure, which included Omale’s portrait among the recognized state party chairmen of the North Central zone.

The Strategy of Independent Accreditation

In contrast to the claims of the Governor's camp, the faction loyal to George Akume maintained that they remained an autonomous and legally accredited force at the congress. Daniel Ihomun, the spokesperson for the Akume-aligned Benue APC, confirmed that their delegates underwent a rigorous screening and accreditation process independent of the Governor’s group. Ihomun emphasized that the two camps did not join forces at any point during the gathering, describing their participation as an act of affirmation for their specific delegates rather than a submission to the rival leadership.