Politics
Benue APC Divided: Rival Camps Clash Over Party Structure
A deepening internal rift within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has erupted into open confrontation, as rival camps loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, conducted separate ward congresses across the state.
The parallel exercises have exposed growing factional tensions within the ruling party, with both sides laying claim to legitimacy.
The faction aligned with Akume maintained that there is only one duly recognised APC structure in Benue. Leaders of the group insisted that their ward congresses were conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with directives from the party’s national leadership. They further stated that the process was properly supervised and officially communicated to the APC national secretariat, dismissing allegations of division as politically driven narratives.
However, the state APC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Daniel-Morgan Ihomun, confirmed that a separate exercise was organised by the Alia camp but declared it unconstitutional and lacking party backing.
According to Ihomun, the congress conducted by his faction amounted to a reaffirmation of existing ward executives for another four-year tenure through a vote of confidence. He warned that individuals presenting themselves as party executives outside the recognised structure should be treated as impostors.
Offering a contrasting view, former Ogbadibo lawmaker Alfred Apochi described the process in his ward as peaceful and orderly, noting that new leaders emerged without incident. He rejected claims of widespread grassroots discontent, arguing that the exercise reflected unity at the local level.
Despite attempts by both camps to minimise the scale of the crisis, the development signals a significant battle for control of the party’s structure in Benue State.
With political alignments shifting and tensions rising, observers believe the national leadership of the APC may be compelled to step in, either to reconcile the outcomes of the parallel congresses or formally recognise one faction to prevent further fragmentation ahead of future elections.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his decision to sign Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 into law, describing the move as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
The president made the remarks during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of political parties in Nigeria, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu said the legislation was passed with overwhelming support in the National Assembly of Nigeria, noting that refusing assent could have plunged the country into unnecessary political tension and prolonged disputes over the law.
Describing himself as a “die-hard democrat,” the president stressed that Nigeria’s democratic process must always be guided by the rule of law.
He also emphasised that alliances among political parties should remain voluntary in a democratic system, insisting that no political actor should face intimidation or persecution for choosing which political platform or alliance to support.
Tinubu added that political pluralism and freedom of association remain key pillars of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Abba Yusuf Sacks Kano Head of Service With Immediate Effect
By Ezinne Obah
The Governor of Abba Kabir Yusuf has relieved the Kano State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, on Wednesday. Kano State authorities said the move is part of efforts to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency and improved service delivery.
According to the statement, the governor expressed appreciation to Musa for his contributions and dedication during his tenure in the state civil service.
While no detailed reason was officially given for the removal, reports suggest the decision may be linked to broader administrative adjustments within the state government.
The announcement has sparked reactions among political observers and civil servants in the state, with expectations that a replacement or acting Head of Service will soon be appointed to ensure continuity in the administration of the state civil service.
A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Sadique Abubakar, has reportedly defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abubakar, a retired Air Marshal and former Chief of Air Staff, was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 Bauchi State election, where he challenged the incumbent governor but lost the race.
Sources close to the politician said he was seen at an inaugural meeting of the ADC in Abuja alongside other party stakeholders, signalling his alignment with the opposition party. Although a formal public declaration had yet to be made at the time, insiders confirmed that his presence at the gathering indicated his intention to join the ADC coalition.
Abubakar had reportedly been distant from activities of the ruling APC since the aftermath of the 2023 election and subsequent legal battles over the poll outcome. Observers say the move may position him to contest the Bauchi governorship again under the ADC platform in the 2027 elections.
Political analysts believe the defection reflects growing realignments within Nigeria’s political space as opposition parties attempt to build stronger coalitions ahead of the next general elections.