Governor Alia and SGF Akume Set for Critical Reconciliation Meeting to Reshape Benue APC

Governor Alia and SGF George Akume meet in Makurdi to resolve a 3-year APC rift and strategize for the 2027 elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 4:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP

Political Rivals Converge to Negotiate Party Unity in Makurdi

The deep seated divisions within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress appear to be reaching a definitive turning point as key leaders prepare for a significant reconciliation summit. Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, are expected to lead their respective factions in a series of talks scheduled for either Thursday or Friday. This gathering, hosted at the Government House in Makurdi, represents a pivotal attempt to harmonize a party that has been defined by internal friction for nearly three years. According to party insiders, the success of this meeting is essential for the APC to maintain a cohesive front as the 2027 general election cycle begins to loom on the horizon.

Negotiating a Power Sharing Formula to Avoid Direct Primaries

The strategic focus of the upcoming meeting centers on the potential for a formal power sharing agreement between the governor's camp and the faction loyal to the SGF. Sources close to the leadership suggest that if the reconciliation proves successful, the parties may agree to cede specific positions to accommodate various interests within the state chapter. This tactical move is designed to bypass the volatility of direct primaries, which often exacerbate existing tensions among local members. By reaching a consensus on leadership distribution beforehand, the party hopes to stabilize its internal structure and present a unified slate of candidates for the next electoral contest.

Stakeholders Confirm High Level Participation in Peace Talks

Official confirmation of the meeting has come from both sides of the partisan divide within the state. Daniel Ihomun, the spokesperson for the APC faction aligned with Akume, indicated that the SGF himself initiated the call for the meeting. Similarly, representatives loyal to Governor Alia confirmed the governor's attendance, signaling a mutual willingness to engage in dialogue. According to Ihomun, the party has been embroiled in conflict for an extended period, making this intervention by national and state leaders a welcome development for those seeking to restore organizational discipline. The participation of all major stakeholders is viewed as a necessary step toward an amicable resolution.