The leadership crisis within the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensified on Wednesday as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) dissolved the Austine Agada-led state executives.
This decision came despite a court order barring such an action, deepening the conflict within the state chapter of the ruling party.
The NWC quickly moved to replace the Agada-led executives with a seven-member caretaker committee, headed by Benjamin Omale as chairman and Prof. Bem Angwe as secretary.
Other members of the committee include Richard Mzungweve, James Ornguga, Terhemen Ngbea, Helen Agaigbe, and Ali Francis Adah. The committee is tasked with overseeing the party’s affairs in the state for six months.
This dissolution and reorganization occurred just hours after a Benue High Court issued an ex parte order restraining the NWC, led by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, from removing the Agada-led State Working Committee before the expiration of their four-year tenure.
The court order was granted by Justice Theresa Igoche in response to a motion filed under MH /1585m/2024.
The APC in Benue has been embroiled in internal conflict, particularly between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, over control of the party in the state.
While Akume has shown support for Agada and his team, Governor Alia has backed the faction led by Benjamin Omakolo, contributing to the ongoing tensions.
In addressing the media after the swearing-in of the new caretaker committee, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje expressed regret over the situation, stating that the NWC’s decision to dissolve the state executives was made to prevent the party from further collapse in Benue.
He said, “Today, history has been made. But it is not the history we are proud of. However, it is an issue that requires immediate action in accordance with our constitution. We believe that our state chapter will work towards the development of the party without any problems. However, since things do not go according to plan, even in organisations, problems can arise.
“We are all aware of the issues we are facing in Benue State, such as factions, counter-factions, litigation, and counter-litigation. The National Working Committee will not allow this to continue. As a party and institution, we should be united. Therefore, to resolve the problem in line with our constitution, the NWC has today dissolved the executive committee of the Benue State chapter. At the same time, the NWC has approved a seven-man caretaker committee to manage the affairs of the party for the next six months.
“Additionally, as we approach the local government elections, and since the party is the only body that can certify the candidacy of any contestant, we have delegated the responsibility of conducting the primaries for those intending to become chairmen and councillors of their local government areas. We congratulate you on this. We urge you to unite and continue dialogue with major stakeholders to bring everyone together.”
“Appreciating the party leadership for considering them worthy to oversee Benue party affairs, Omale promised to work towards the unity and reconciliation of all aggrieved members in the state.
“As you all know, we are just taking over. We are here to carry out the mandate of the president and the governor. I assure you that the mandate you have given will bring the peace and reconciliation we need in the state.
“We will do our best to unite our people. We are here to inform you that we will be working together as a team.”
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