By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
A renewed power struggle has erupted within the Benue State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with rival factions loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, laying claim to official materials for the party’s forthcoming ward congresses.
The Benue APC has remained divided since the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, with the two blocs recognising separate state chairmen. Governor Alia’s faction backs Chief Ben Omale, while the Akume-aligned group recognises Austin Agada.
The APC has fixed February 18, 2026, for its ward congresses nationwide.
Tension heightened at the weekend after Dickson Tarkighir, a member of the House of Representatives representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency and a known ally of Akume, announced on his verified Facebook page that the party’s national secretariat had handed over Benue’s ward congress materials to his camp.
Sharing a photograph of the materials loaded into his vehicle, Tarkighir wrote: “Ward congresses are for Wednesday 18/2/26, let’s all come out and choose our leaders at the wards.”
However, the Alia camp swiftly dismissed the claim.
Alfred Berger Emberga, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and a loyalist of the governor, alleged that the forms being circulated by the rival faction were fake. In a post on his verified Facebook page, Emberga wrote: “#MyInterest. UAC Plaza Garki manufactured forms,” suggesting the materials were produced outside official party channels.
Governor Alia’s social media aide, Asortar James Asortar, also countered Tarkighir’s claim, stating that he had received the authentic congress forms on behalf of the state. In a Facebook post, he said arrangements were underway for supporters to welcome the materials upon arrival in Benue.
The conflicting claims have deepened uncertainty ahead of the ward congresses, raising concerns about possible parallel exercises or further escalation of the internal rift within the Benue APC.
Efforts to obtain clarification from the party’s national secretariat were ongoing as of press time.
