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A social media post circulating on platforms like Facebook has claimed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, as the undisputed leader of the party in the state. The post, attributed to one Manasseh Akawe and dated around December 20, 2025, alleges that this decision was made during the APC NEC meeting held in Abuja on December 19, 2025.
According to the post, the resolution aims to resolve ongoing leadership disputes within the Benue APC chapter and streamline the party’s structure ahead of future political engagements, including the 2027 elections. It highlights Governor Alia’s popularity, stemming from his 2023 gubernatorial victory and his status as the highest-ranking elected APC official in Benue. If true, such an endorsement would reinforce party unity and affirm Alia’s authority amid reported tensions with other stakeholders, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The post further notes that the NEC meeting, attended by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other senior party figures, primarily addressed broader national issues, with state-level harmonization mentioned as an ongoing priority. It suggests that formal validation of the resolution would solidify Alia’s position and prepare the party for upcoming challenges.
However, as of December 21, 2025, these claims remain unconfirmed. Extensive checks across major Nigerian news outlets, including Premium Times, Vanguard, Punch, Daily Trust, and The Nation, reveal no official statements from the APC national secretariat, the presidency, or key party leaders corroborating the endorsement. Reports on the December 19 NEC meeting focus on other matters, such as party conventions, defections, and internal reforms, without mentioning Benue-specific resolutions.
Benue APC has a history of internal frictions, particularly over leadership control between Governor Alia and allies of Senator Akume, which have persisted despite earlier interventions by the party’s National Working Committee. While various groups and forums have previously endorsed Alia for a second term, citing his developmental projects and governance record, no evidence supports a direct NEC intervention on Benue leadership at the recent meeting.
Social media posts like this can spread rapidly but often lack verification, especially in Nigeria’s politically charged environment. Until an official announcement emerges from the APC or reliable sources, this should be treated as rumor. Party unity in states like Benue remains crucial for the APC’s national cohesion, and any formal stance on leadership would likely be publicized promptly to avoid speculation.
Observers will be watching for clarifications in the coming days, as unresolved disputes could impact the party’s preparations for future polls. For now, the reported endorsement appears to be unsubstantiated.
