By ThankGod Inalegwu
The State Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has ended in controversy following the emergence of two parallel state chairmen, deepening internal divisions within the ruling party.
One faction of the party conducted its congress at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Square, where a new State Working Committee (SWC) was elected. The congress was attended by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, his deputy, and several members of the state executive council.
The exercise, which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and supervised by a National Congress Committee from the party’s secretariat in Abuja, produced Hon. Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale as the new state chairman of the party.
However, in a parallel development, another faction of the party held a separate congress at the Euniland Event Center in Makurdi, where members reaffirmed Hon. Austin Agada as the chairman of the Benue APC.
The rival congress reportedly attracted several National Assembly members and key federal government appointees, who insisted that the process leading to Agada’s reaffirmation followed the legitimate structure of the party.
The emergence of two chairmen has thrown the party into uncertainty, with both camps claiming legitimacy and control of the party structure in the state.
Party insiders said the crisis stems from disagreements that began during the ward and local government congresses, with both factions accusing each other of manipulating the process.
Political observers warn that the unresolved leadership tussle could weaken the APC in Benue if not urgently addressed, especially as political parties begin early strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Efforts by stakeholders within the party to reconcile the two camps are expected in the coming days, as the national leadership of the APC faces mounting pressure to intervene and restore unity in the state chapter.