APC Crisis Deepens in Benue as Akume, Alia Disagree on ‘Automatic Ticket’ Deal

Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State following conflicting claims by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia over resolutions reached at a high-level peace meeting.

The reconciliation meeting, held Sunday at the Government House in Makurdi on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, was aimed at resolving the protracted leadership crisis rocking the party in the state.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Akume maintained that the gathering achieved significant progress, stressing that unity and inclusiveness were central to the discussions. He disclosed that part of the understanding reached included an “automatic ticket” arrangement for all elected APC officeholders, spanning the state and national assemblies, as well as the governor.

According to him, the governor also tendered an apology over the lingering crisis, a move he described as commendable and necessary for reconciliation.

However, Governor Alia sharply disagreed with the SGF’s position, insisting that no such resolution was adopted. He clarified that both President Tinubu and the APC national leadership had repeatedly ruled out automatic tickets for any aspirant.

Alia explained that his apology was a deliberate step taken in the interest of peace and unity within the party, adding that it should not be misconstrued as endorsement of any controversial arrangement.

“The resolutions of the meeting go beyond individuals. The position of the party and Mr President remains clear—there is no automatic ticket for anyone,” the governor said.

He further described Akume’s remarks as a “mere appeal” rather than a binding decision, urging party members and supporters to work towards genuine reconciliation and progress.

The APC in Benue has been engulfed in a prolonged power struggle between loyalists of Akume and those aligned with the governor, resulting in parallel party structures across various levels.

Political observers say the latest disagreement underscores the fragility of the peace process and signals that the crisis within the state chapter of the ruling party is far from over.