Benue APC crisis: NASS Caucus reacts to Alia’s rejection of Tinubu’s peace efforts
The Benue National Assembly Caucus has criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia for not supporting the peace initiatives proposed by President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to address the ongoing issues within the party in Benue State.
The internal conflict in the Benue APC worsened just two months after Alia became governor. The situation intensified ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Friday, October 5, as the APC in Benue presented conflicting candidates for various positions, which analysts see as a direct challenge to President Tinubu’s call for unity.
On Thursday, September 12, Philip Agbese, spokesperson for the Benue National Assembly Caucus, expressed disappointment over Alia’s refusal to engage with the President’s peace efforts. Agbese called the Governor’s actions a setback for the party.
“It’s a hindrance to the party’s progress for anyone, particularly the Governor, to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s peace efforts aimed at stabilizing the APC in Benue,” Agbese said.
He noted that the caucus was not surprised by Alia’s actions, suggesting that it aligns with his pattern of disrespect towards influential figures. “Fr Alia prefers secret dealings where he can make false claims and act as both the accuser and the judge. But when it’s time for accountability, he refuses to show up,” Agbese added.
Agbese also accused Alia of putting personal interests ahead of party unity and attempting to undermine the APC in Benue for his own agenda. He claimed that Alia is involving non-APC members in his disputes, which only exacerbates the political crisis in the state.
Reflecting on Alia’s previous political struggles, Agbese said, “After winning the election, it seems the forces Fr. Alia once claimed were against him have now become his allies.”
He urged APC members in Benue to stay loyal to the party, assuring that National Assembly members from the state remain united despite the Governor’s actions. “I assure you that all National Assembly members from Benue who won their elections in 2023 are still standing strong. Under the guidance of our North Central leader, Distinguished Senator George Akume, we will overcome these distractions and secure even greater victories in 2027,” Agbese concluded.
