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A political pressure group, Benue Democratic Advocates (BDA), has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by certain members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to convene a parallel state congress and announce the suspension of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 1, 2026, and signed by its President, Comrade Onazi Otokpa, and Secretary, Hon. Mdueter Adekkaa, the group accused former state APC chairman Austin Agada and unnamed Abuja-based politicians of spearheading the move. The BDA claimed a meeting took place in Abuja on February 28, 2026, where plans were allegedly finalised to organise an unauthorised parallel APC state congress.
According to the group, the organisers also resolved to invite selected journalists and security personnel to lend legitimacy to what they described as an “illegal gathering,” after which a statement would be issued declaring the suspension of Governor Alia and other key party figures in the state.
The BDA described the purported plan as a “desperate attempt to destabilise the state” and insisted that any effort to suspend the governor outside the recognised party structures would fail. It maintained that Benue is currently enjoying “peace, democratic stability and measurable development” under Governor Alia’s leadership and warned against actions capable of undermining party unity.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution political appointees from Benue against divisive tendencies within the APC. It further urged the APC National Working Committee, led by Nentawhe Yilwatda, to take disciplinary action against any member found working against the unity and stability of the party in the state.
The BDA reaffirmed its full support for Governor Alia, insisting that he remains the undisputed leader of the APC in Benue State. It appealed to party faithful to remain calm, united, and focused ahead of the APC state congress.
Efforts to obtain comments from Austin Agada and the APC leadership on the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of this report. The claims have sparked reactions among political stakeholders in Benue, with observers calling for calm and vigilance as the party prepares for its forthcoming activities.
