Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State affirmed that stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are resolute in safeguarding the party from individual interests that could jeopardize its unity. The governor emphasized the collective efforts and sacrifices that contributed to the party’s success in the state, declaring, “We will not allow any invader to come in and destabilize our party.”
Governor Alia made these remarks following a meeting with the State Executive Committee members and key stakeholders in Zone C, held at the Government House in Makurdi. The gathering resulted in the appointment of Benjamin Omakolo, the APC welfare secretary in the state, as the acting party chairman, pending the resolution of a court injunction restraining Comrade Austin Agada from assuming the role of state chairman.
Expressing regret over the suspension of Comrade Austin Agada by his Ehaje Ward 1 Executive Committee, Governor Alia revealed that party stakeholders in Zone C recommended a replacement to prevent internal crises. Consequently, he directed Comrade Omakolo to assume the role of acting party chairman until the court case against Comrade Agada is concluded.
Governor Alia called on all party members to continue supporting the APC, emphasizing that it remains the platform with plans to positively transform Benue State and Nigeria at large.
In response, the state publicity secretary of APC, Daniel Ihomun, issued a statement characterizing the replacement as “another failed attempt to undermine the party leadership and Constitution by anti-democratic agents.” Ihomun asserted that the action holds no weight within the party’s Constitution and precedents, deeming it null and void.
Contrary to this, the state organizing secretary of the party, James Ornguga, commended the governor for responding to the concerns of party stakeholders, viewing the replacement as a positive step forward. Various party figures, including the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, and local APC officials, expressed support for the new acting chairman, pledging assistance for his success.
Accepting the responsibility, Comrade Omakolo pledged to unite the party and strategically position it for future electoral victories.
