Benue APC Rejects Akume-Led Alliance, Backs Alia’s 2027 Re-election

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the Strategic Alliance for Tinubu/Shettima Re-election 2027, alleging that the group was formed to undermine Governor Hyacinth Alia’s re-election bid.

The party also accused some of its members, including senior Federal Government officials, of associating with opposition politicians under the guise of mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

The Director General of the Tinubu/Alia 2027 Campaign Council in Benue State, Hon.

Asema specifically mentioned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, among those associated with the alliance.

He expressed concern that the membership of the alliance included governorship candidates of opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), as well as officials of other minority parties.

According to him, intelligence available to the party suggested that the alliance had a hidden agenda to sabotage Alia’s 2027 governorship re-election while presenting itself as a platform for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
He said:

“The Benue State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) views with serious concern the purported formation of the ‘Strategic Alliance For Tinubu/Shettima Re-election 2027’ by some political individuals and groups and the subsequent announcement of a Campaign Council for the re-election of our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Party observes that this ‘Strategic Alliance’ is populated by some members of the APC, some of whom are holding senior positions in the Federal Government of Nigeria, including Senator George Akume, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), and Prof. Joseph Utsev, Hon. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.

“A critical look at the membership of this so-called Campaign Council reveals that governorship candidates of other political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), as well as officers of some other minority parties, are members of the Group and its ‘Campaign Council’.”

Asema recalled that the state APC had constituted a campaign council comprising more than 900 party leaders and members, which was inaugurated on November 5 at IBB Square, Makurdi.
He expressed concern that some APC members appointed into the council subsequently announced their unwillingness to participate in its activities before unveiling the strategic alliance.

The campaign council maintained that the APC remained firmly established in Benue State, citing its electoral victories in 2023, including the governorship seat, two senatorial seats, 10 of the 11 House of Representatives seats and 27 of the 32 State Assembly seats.

Asema also attributed the party’s confidence ahead of the 2027 elections to what he described as Governor Alia’s achievements in infrastructure, industrial development, education, employment of 9,700 teachers, and the payment of salaries and pensions.
He said:

“Most importantly, the outstanding performance of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, through the delivery of high-profile infrastructure projects, establishment of medium and large-scale industries to create jobs and develop the state’s economy, development of the education sector through massive provision of classrooms and other facilities, employment of 9,700 teachers, prompt payment of salaries and pensions and clearance of arrears, among others, have combined to make the Governor very popular in the state.

“APC doesn’t need any alliance to win the 2027 elections and hereby warns against any attempt to confuse the teeming members of the party and the good people of Benue State, who are already poised to vote for the party at the forthcoming elections.

“From the foregoing, we advise APC members in the Strategic Alliance to disengage forthwith, retrace their steps and regroup with the mainstream leadership of the Party under His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia,” Asema added.

The campaign council’s Director General reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu and Governor Alia, expressing confidence in their victory in the 2027 general elections.