Benue APC Peace Meeting Ends in Confusion as Alia and Akume Clash Over “Automatic Ticket” Claims

A high-stakes peace and reconciliation meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State held on Sunday has left more questions than answers, with Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, issuing sharply conflicting interpretations of the resolutions reached.

The meeting, convened by Senator Akume in line with directives from President Bola Tinubu, was aimed at resolving the lingering leadership crisis that has rocked the Benue APC for nearly three years. It brought together key party stakeholders at the State Government House in Makurdi to foster unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Senator Akume claimed that part of the resolution included an automatic ticket for all elected APC officials from the governor down to members of the National and State Assemblies. He described the governor’s apology for the crises in the party as a positive step and emphasized the need for inclusiveness.

“Where we went wrong, we want to get back and we want everybody to have a place, we want inclusiveness in this party,” Akume stated. He further described his remarks as a “prayer” and appeal to citizens to support those currently serving, insisting it aligned with the spirit of reconciliation.

Governor Alia, however, pushed back strongly. He clarified that no automatic ticket was agreed upon, describing Akume’s statement as a “prayer” rather than a binding resolution.

“The resolution is beyond both of us because APC has told us plainly and Mr President has mentioned several times, as well as the national chairman of APC, all said there is no automatic ticket,” Alia asserted. He added that he apologized on behalf of the party to aggrieved members as a responsible leader to allow peace to reign, stressing that the focus should be on collective reconciliation and working under one roof for the progress of the party and the state.

The Benue APC has been fractured by a power tussle between Governor Alia and his political godfather, Senator Akume (a former governor and current SGF). The rift has led to parallel party structures, separate working committees from ward to state levels, and mutual accusations that have weakened the party.

Akume reportedly convened the Sunday meeting to find “lasting peace” to the crisis. Both leaders acknowledged the need for unity, with Alia stating: “We all agreed to come under one roof… to reconcile with each other and to find common ground as we were working and operating before now.”

The disagreement over automatic tickets highlights the high stakes involved. Many elected officials, particularly federal lawmakers, fear their re-election bids could be jeopardized by the ongoing rift. The crisis has already produced factional executives and threatened party cohesion as primaries approach.

Political observers note that while both sides claim commitment to peace and have referenced President Tinubu’s directives, the public display of divergent interpretations risks deepening divisions rather than healing them.

Analysts and stakeholders have repeatedly urged both Governor Alia and Senator Akume to set aside personal differences for the sake of the party and Benue State. Vice President Kashim Shettima and other national figures have publicly appealed for them to mend fences and work together.

As the dust settles on Sunday’s meeting, the big question remains: Can the Benue APC truly reconcile, or will the conflicting post-meeting narratives push the party closer to the brink ahead of 2027?

The coming days and weeks will reveal whether this peace parley was a genuine turning point or merely another chapter in the long-running Alia-Akume feud.