Party leadership says no directive issued for congresses across the state or nation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has cautioned its members and the general public against participating in or recognising unauthorised meetings being falsely presented as official party congresses.
In a statement issued on Monday in Makurdi by the State Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, the party described the activities as the work of “unscrupulous individuals” seeking to mislead party members and create confusion within the ranks of the APC.
According to the statement, the state’s legitimate leadership under Austin Agada remains in full control of the party’s affairs in Benue and has not sanctioned any such congresses or meetings at the local government level.
“We wish to make it categorically clear that the legitimate Executive Committee of the APC in Benue State has not authorised any such meetings,” Ihomun said.
“Likewise, the National Secretariat of our great party has not issued any directive for congresses to be held either in Benue State or anywhere across Nigeria at this time. For the avoidance of doubt, the APC in Benue State is not conducting any congress.”
No nationwide directive for APC congresses, says Ihomun
The statement comes amid reports that certain groups have been convening gatherings across various local government areas in Benue, allegedly under the guise of conducting APC congresses — meetings typically used to elect or reaffirm party officials at the ward, local, and state levels.
Ihomun clarified that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) has not issued any official notice for congresses in any part of the country, adding that any claim to the contrary is “entirely false and misleading.”
“While individuals are free to hold private meetings, they must desist from using the name of our party to mislead members or bring the APC into disrepute,” he added.
“We therefore advise all faithful members of our great party to disregard any such gatherings being falsely presented as official APC congresses.”
He further stressed that the power to convene, approve, or supervise congresses rests solely with the state and national secretariats of the party, as laid out in the APC constitution and guidelines.
Internal discipline and party unity at stake
Political observers note that the warning from the Benue APC comes at a time when several state chapters of the party across Nigeria are experiencing internal disagreements ahead of future elections.
In Benue, the Austin Agada-led executive has been facing pressure to maintain party cohesion amid ongoing political realignments and disputes over local leadership structures.
Party insiders say the proliferation of “unauthorised meetings” has the potential to deepen divisions within the APC if not addressed swiftly.
By issuing the public clarification, analysts believe the leadership is trying to prevent confusion among grassroots members and maintain a single chain of command.
“This statement is both a warning and a reminder that the APC remains an organised institution governed by rules,” a political analyst in Makurdi said.
“Benue’s party leadership is clearly signalling that it will not tolerate any parallel structures or unauthorised conventions.”
Agada-led APC moves to protect the party’s image
Under the leadership of Austin Agada, the Benue APC has repeatedly emphasised the need for discipline, internal consultation, and unity. The state leadership maintains that party processes must follow due procedure, beginning with official communication from the National Secretariat in Abuja.
The latest clarification, therefore, serves as both a defensive move and a public message aimed at protecting the integrity of the party’s image in Benue State.
Party spokesperson Ihomun also appealed to members to remain calm and loyal, urging them to continue supporting the leadership’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the APC ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
“Our members must remain vigilant and loyal to the structures approved by the party. The APC is built on unity, transparency, and respect for due process,” he said.
Looking ahead: APC’s focus on reorganisation and consolidation
As the APC prepares for future elections across Nigeria, internal unity remains critical. Analysts say the Benue chapter’s swift response to the unauthorised meetings reflects a broader push by the party’s national leadership to prevent factionalism and ensure a coordinated approach in all states.
While some local leaders have reportedly attempted to hold informal strategy sessions under the APC banner, the party’s official stance is that only duly authorised congresses and meetings will be recognised.
For now, the Benue APC leadership insists that its focus remains on grassroots reorganisation, membership mobilisation, and rebuilding trust among party faithful.
The message, however, is clear: any attempt to hijack the party’s identity or processes without approval from its legitimate organs will be treated as a violation of party discipline.
