Coalition Urges Tinubu to Resolve Benue Political Crisis

A coalition of civil society organizations and minority opposition parties in Benue State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene in a political crisis involving Governor Hyacinth Iornem Alia and Senator George Akume. The dispute, ongoing since 2023, centers on control of the state party structure and loyalty, leading to a division among supporters.

During a press conference on October 15, 2026, the coalition accused Akume and some APC members of establishing parallel political structures to undermine Alia's administration. They alleged that Akume is leading a “rainbow coalition” with elements from the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and African Democratic Congress to weaken the governor's influence.

The coalition warned that such actions could exacerbate political divisions and threaten President Tinubu's electoral prospects in Benue State. They urged Akume to act as a statesman and called for reconciliation between National Assembly members aligned with him and Governor Alia.