By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to resolve their differences and work together for the progress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Speaking today at the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, the Vice President urged both leaders to “sheath their swords” and embrace peace.
“I want to make a special appeal to SGF George Akume and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to mend fences and work together,” Shettima said.
The Vice President’s intervention comes amid an ongoing supremacy battle between the two political figures, which has led to a breakdown of order within the party’s structure in Benue State. The rift has resulted in the emergence of parallel congresses and rival leadership factions within the state’s APC chapter.
As previously reported by this newspaper, the crisis deepened sharply on Wednesday after two feuding groups—one loyal to Governor Alia and the other aligned with the SGF, George Akume—held separate ward congresses. The exercises produced parallel ward executive committees, further entrenching the division within the party.
The political rift, which began shortly after Governor Alia assumed office in 2023, continues to threaten the cohesion and stability of the APC in Benue State.
