CSOs Urge Tinubu to Resolve Alia-Akume Political Rift

Civil society organizations and minority opposition parties in Benue State have requested intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) concerning a political crisis involving Governor Hyacinth Iornem Alia and Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This dispute, ongoing since 2023, revolves around control of the state party structure and has led to a division among supporters.

During a press conference in Abuja, the coalition accused Akume and other APC leaders of creating a parallel structure to undermine Governor Alia. They alleged that Akume is involved in a "rainbow coalition" with members of the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and African Democratic Congress to weaken the governor's influence.

The coalition warned that failure to address these issues could lead to increased political divisions and insecurity in the state, potentially affecting President Tinubu's electoral prospects. They urged reconciliation among National Assembly members aligned with Akume and threatened statewide protests if the situation does not improve.