Group Advocates Balanced Strategy in Addressing Benue APC Rift

 

From Dooshima Terkura,

 

 

The Concerned Benue Democrats (CBD), a civic organisation in Benue State, has urged stakeholders to adopt a more even-handed approach in resolving the lingering internal disagreements within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, particularly concerning the perceived involvement of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Addressing journalists in Makurdi, the group’s convener, Mr. Leonard Ikyem, made the appeal while reacting to recent remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Progressive Governors’ Forum–Renewed Hope Ambassadors Strategic Summit held in Abuja.
During the summit, the Vice President urged Senator George Akume to extend a hand of fellowship to Governor Hyacinth Alia in the interest of unity and progress in Benue State.
CBD observed that a similar appeal had earlier been made by the Vice President in December 2025 at the wedding ceremony of Akume’s son in Makurdi. While applauding his sustained commitment to reconciliation, the group noted that repeatedly directing appeals at a single individual could inadvertently suggest that the responsibility for the crisis lies solely with that person.
The organisation expressed appreciation for ongoing efforts to mediate the dispute and encouraged the Vice President to promote direct engagement between the two leaders to deepen mutual understanding and achieve a durable settlement.
Offering background to the matter, CBD explained that the discord within the Benue APC traces back to the early period of Governor Alia’s administration in May 2023. It stated that differences surfaced over issues relating to party consultations during the inauguration of the Benue State House of Assembly leadership and later appointments into the State Executive Council.
The group also alluded to controversies over the party’s leadership structure in the state, including the removal of the State Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, alongside members of the State Working Committee. It expressed concern about public exchanges between supporters of the opposing camps, saying such incidents have heightened tensions within the party.
Nonetheless, CBD maintained that Senator Akume has consistently encouraged Benue residents to rally behind the governor and pray for the success of his administration. It cited occasions such as the burial of the late Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo in 2024, where the SGF reportedly called for cooperation and unity among stakeholders.
The group appealed to all concerned parties to embrace dialogue and respond positively to previous calls for peace, including those made during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the state. It stressed that cohesion within the party would enhance governance and fast-track development initiatives in Benue.
Furthermore, CBD advised Governor Alia to give thoughtful attention to priorities surrounding security and post-conflict recovery. While recognising the value of disarmament and rehabilitation programmes, the group suggested that citizens would welcome greater emphasis on rebuilding communities devastated by violence and supporting the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to support both leaders in fostering peace and unity within the APC and across the state, expressing confidence that genuine dialogue and collaboration would ultimately secure enduring harmony for the people of Benue State.