Benue APC reconciliation ends in disagreement as Alia, Akume differ on lawmakers’ automatic tickets

By Benedicta Aboh

A crucial reconciliation meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State on Sunday recorded a breakthrough in unity efforts but exposed fresh cracks as Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, disagreed over the issue of automatic tickets for elected lawmakers.

The meeting, held at the Government House in Makurdi, brought together prominent party stakeholders in a move aimed at resolving lingering internal disputes and strengthening cohesion within the party.

Addressing journalists after the session, Senator Akume said the gathering resolved to ensure inclusiveness and continuity by allowing all serving APC lawmakers at both state and federal levels to return unchallenged.

“Where we went wrong, we want to make amends and ensure everyone has a place in the party. All those elected on the platform of the APC, from the State Assembly to the National Assembly, must return. It is automatic.”

But Governor Alia distanced himself from that position, insisting that the question of automatic tickets lies beyond the authority of individuals and has already been addressed by the party’s national leadership.

“That is beyond both of us,” the governor stated. “The position of the party is clear. Mr. President and the APC National Chairman have said repeatedly that there is no automatic ticket. What was expressed is an appeal, not a binding resolution.”

Alia explained that the primary aim of convening the meeting was to foster reconciliation among party members, noting that both aggrieved and non-aggrieved stakeholders were invited to rebuild trust and unity.

“The purpose is to reconcile, to find common ground, and to return to working together as one family. This initiative is deliberate, to ensure that every member comes back on board for the progress and development of the party and the state.”

The governor also disclosed that he offered an apology during the meeting as part of efforts to heal divisions within the party.

“I had to apologize on behalf of members of the APC in the state. Leadership demands that we bring people together and mend broken relationships,” he added.

Former Governor Gabriel Suswam described the meeting as a positive step forward, emphasizing that the focus should remain on collective interest rather than individual ambitions.

“This is not about any single person; it is about the APC and the state,” Suswam said.

"The important thing is that we are talking again. A committee has been set up to work out the details, and clarity will come in due course.”

Also speaking, Senator Emmanuel Udende said the meeting succeeded in restoring unity, warning against the dangers of division within the party.

“We were a divided house, and we know the consequences of that,” Udende said. “Now we have embraced peace. The governor has apologized, and there is a commitment to move forward together for greater success.”

Udende noted that while messages of support for continuity were shared, no formal resolution was reached on automatic tickets. He also clarified that the issue of the state party executive council was not discussed.

The meeting is seen as a significant attempt to heal internal rifts within the Benue APC, though the disagreement over candidate selection signals that key issues remain unresolved as the party prepares for future political contests.