Benue APC Power Struggle Deepens as Akume, Alia Factions Share Assembly Tickets

The long-running leadership crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has entered a new phase after a compromise reportedly split State House of Assembly tickets between political camps loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The arrangement, seen by many party stakeholders as an attempt to prevent a deeper internal crisis, reflects the delicate balance the APC is trying to maintain as it navigates one of its most significant internal disputes in recent years. While the agreement may have temporarily eased tensions, analysts say it also exposes the continuing struggle for influence within the state’s ruling party.

The rivalry between the two camps has shaped Benue politics since Governor Alia assumed office. Senator Akume, a former governor and one of the founding figures of the APC in the state, has maintained considerable influence over the party’s structure. Governor Alia, on the other hand, emerged with strong grassroots backing during the 2023 governorship election and has sought greater control of the party machinery to support his administration.

Their differences have played out through disputes over party leadership, executive appointments, congresses, and control of the state APC structure. The conflict also extended to disagreements over candidate nominations for various elective positions, with both camps reportedly backing different aspirants.

According to party insiders, the latest compromise on State Assembly tickets was designed to avoid prolonged legal battles and prevent further divisions that could weaken the party ahead of future elections. By allocating tickets between both factions, the APC leadership hopes to preserve party unity while giving each bloc a measure of political representation.

However, reactions across Benue have been divided.

Supporters of Governor Alia argue that the governor deserves a legislature largely aligned with his administration to effectively implement policies on infrastructure development, civil service reforms, healthcare, education, and agricultural growth.

Meanwhile, loyalists of Senator Akume insist that the party’s institutional structures and long-standing leadership should not be sidelined. They maintain that preserving internal party supremacy is essential to preventing excessive concentration of political power and ensuring stability within the APC.

The national leadership of the APC is reportedly monitoring developments closely as reconciliation efforts continue. Party mediators have repeatedly urged both leaders and their supporters to embrace dialogue, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and prioritize the unity of the party over personal political interests.

Political observers believe the ticket-sharing formula may reduce immediate tensions, but they caution that unresolved issues surrounding control of the party structure and future political ambitions remain significant challenges. Whether the compromise evolves into lasting reconciliation or simply postpones another confrontation is expected to become clearer as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum.

For now, the agreement represents a temporary ceasefire in one of the APC’s most closely watched internal power struggles, with its outcome likely to influence the political landscape in Benue State in the years ahead.