Benue APC crisis deepens as SGF, serving NASS members, Agada-led APC faction absent at Alia’s campaign flag-off

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, has continued to deepen as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; some serving members of the National Assembly from the state, as well as the Austin Agada-led faction of the APC, absented themselves from the flag off campaign of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The event, held at IBB Square, Makurdi, the state capital, only had supporters loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia in attendance.

Recall that after the composition of the Alia campaign council, the Agada-led faction of the APC issued a statement urging their members, who were nominated to serve in the council to decline their nominations.

Also on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Agada-led faction also issued another statement urging their members not to attend the inauguration of the Alia-led campaign council.

During the event, it was observed that serving members of the National Assembly including Senators Emmanuel Udende representing Benue North East, Titus Zam representing Benue North West; Rep members – Dickson Tarkighir, Sekav Iortyom, Regina Akume, Asema Achado, Terseer Ugbor, Sesoo Ikpagher, Philip Agbese among others, were conspicuously absent.

However, speaking during the event, Governor Alia said he was proud of Benue people, who have registered massively to make the state to rank number eight in the country among the states with a massive number of registered voters.

He urged all Benue people, especially APC members to vote in President Bola Tinubu again, assuring them that their votes will count.

Alia said: “Let us continue to work in synergy. If by any chance you have bitterness in your heart, this is the time to let the bitterness go away and let sweetness come in.