Politics in Benue State has turned into a staring contest between Governor Hyacinth Alia and his onetime mentor, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. They now circle each other like wary boxers sharing an old grudge. The prize is simple: who controls the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue?
Their falling-out began soon after Alia’s victory in 2023. Akume, the state’s most influential politician and longtime godfather figure, had backed the Catholic priest’s improbable rise. But once in office, Alia began to loosen his mentor’s grip. From local appointments to the House of Assembly leadership, he built his own power structure, often bypassing Akume’s loyalists.
By 2024, the APC in Benue had split into two. One camp swore loyalty to Akume, led by Comrade Austin Agada. The other answered to Alia through Chief Benjamin Omale. Factions held separate meetings, issued rival press releases, and even claimed parallel party executives. The rift grew so deep that analysts began to wonder whether Alia could secure a second term in 2027.