The political landscape in Benue State, Nigeria, is embroiled in a contentious dispute between the North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. The heart of the conflict lies in accusations leveled against Akume, alleging his orchestration of media attacks targeting the state’s governor, Hyacinth Alia. The APC Forum contends that these attacks, purportedly carried out through proxies and anonymous groups, are designed to undermine Governor Alia’s administration and destabilize the APC’s presence in both Benue State and the broader North-Central region. This internal struggle carries significant weight, as it threatens to fracture the party’s unity and potentially impact its performance in future elections, particularly the 2027 polls.
The North-Central APC Forum, expressing deep concern over the persistent attacks on Governor Alia, has issued a stern warning to Senator Akume, urging him to cease these actions. Their argument centers on the potential consequences of such internal strife, highlighting the risk of Governor Alia following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Samuel Ortom, who defected from the APC to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Losing Benue State, a strategically important region, would be a significant blow to the APC, and the forum emphasizes that Governor Alia’s performance in office has been commendable, thus far. They implore Akume to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the party’s stability and electoral prospects in the upcoming 2027 elections.
In response to the accusations, the SGF’s spokesperson, Terrence Kuanum, vehemently denies any involvement of Senator Akume in the alleged media attacks against Governor Alia. He dismisses the claims made by the North-Central APC Forum, characterizing them as baseless and an attempt to tarnish the SGF’s reputation. Kuanum asserts that the forum’s true intentions are revealed in their threat to mobilize against Akume and demand his removal from office. He counters the forum’s narrative by portraying the SGF as a provider of leadership and guidance within the Benue APC and the broader North-Central chapter of the party.
The clash between the North-Central APC Forum and Senator Akume exposes a deeper power struggle within the ruling party. The forum’s accusations suggest a concern over potential internal sabotage, with the alleged attacks on Governor Alia seen as an attempt to weaken the party from within. Their emphasis on the importance of retaining Benue State and supporting Governor Alia’s administration underscores the strategic significance of the state in the party’s overall political calculations. They frame the issue as a matter of party unity and electoral success, urging Akume to prioritize the collective good over internal disputes.
Conversely, the SGF’s response, delivered through his spokesperson, presents a picture of steadfast leadership and commitment to the party. The denial of any involvement in the media attacks aims to deflect the accusations and portray Akume as a unifying figure within the APC. The characterization of the forum’s claims as a politically motivated attack seeks to undermine their credibility and shift the focus onto their alleged ulterior motives. The SGF’s camp presents a narrative of unwavering support for the party and its objectives, positioning Akume as a key player in its continued success.
This internal conflict within the APC highlights the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining cohesion and managing competing interests. The accusations and counter-accusations reveal the complexities of intra-party dynamics and the potential for internal divisions to escalate into public disputes. The outcome of this power struggle will undoubtedly have implications for the APC’s future, particularly in Benue State, and could influence the party’s overall performance in the 2027 elections. The ability of the APC to resolve this internal conflict and present a united front will be crucial in maintaining its political strength and achieving its electoral goals.
