Benue APC Crisis: Alia, Akume Differ Over Automatic Ticket Claim
A peace and reconciliation meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State ended on Sunday with conflicting interpretations of its outcome by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The meeting, convened by Akume in Makurdi on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, brought together key stakeholders of the party and was held at the Government House as part of efforts to resolve the protracted internal crisis in the state chapter of the APC.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the SGF said the gathering was aimed at restoring unity and fostering inclusiveness within the party.
He stated that one of the major resolutions reached was the adoption of automatic tickets for all elected officials, including the governor, as well as members of the National and State Assemblies.
Akume also disclosed that Governor Alia tendered an apology over the lingering crisis within the party, describing the gesture as a positive step toward reconciliation.
“Where we went wrong, we want to correct it and ensure that everyone has a place in the party. We want inclusiveness,” he said, adding that all elected officials on the APC platform were expected to return unopposed.
However, Governor Alia offered a different account of the meeting’s outcome, rejecting claims that automatic tickets were approved.
Speaking with journalists, the governor maintained that both President Tinubu and the APC National Chairman had made it clear that the party does not grant automatic tickets to any aspirant.
According to him, his apology was made in the interest of peace and unity, describing it as a deliberate move to reconcile aggrieved members and reposition the party for progress.
“We agreed to come together under one roof to reconcile and find common ground for the advancement of the party and the state,” Alia said.
He clarified that the suggestion of automatic tickets was merely an appeal and not a binding resolution of the meeting.
“The issue of automatic ticket is beyond the SGF and myself. The President and the national leadership of the party have clearly stated that there is no such provision. What was said was a prayer for support for serving officials, not a resolution,” he added.
The APC in Benue State has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis, largely driven by a power struggle between Akume and Governor Alia.
The rift has split the party into factions, with parallel executive committees emerging from ward to state levels following separate congresses.
