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Makurdi – Barely hours after Governor Hyacinth Alia publicly appealed for unity and warned against divisive politics, fresh reports have emerged suggesting that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, is quietly planting some of his closest loyalists inside the governor’s political camp ahead of the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) ward, local government, and state congresses.
According to a detailed report published today by the Nigerian Concord Newspaper, several known Akume allies, including former Ogbadibo Local Government Chairman Hon. Sunday Ojo, Hon. Eloyi Enekele, Comrade Joseph John (Jay-Jay), and Mr. Dave Awunah – who was recently appointed Chairman of the Boys Scout Club – have either been strategically positioned or are being encouraged to “return like prodigal sons” to Governor Alia’s fold.
Sources within the APC told the newspaper that the move is a calculated attempt by the SGF to install moles who will frustrate any effort by Governor Alia to seize full control of the party structure from ward to state level during the congresses scheduled for early 2026.
A top APC chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity warned: “As you know, it’s he who controls the party structure that will present candidates for the party in the 2027 elections. Right now Governor Alia appears to be in full control, and this might give him the upper hand to hijack the structure again. That is why the people around Senator Akume advised him to plant moles in Alia’s camp so they can hijack it for the SGF in their various local governments.”
The same source claimed that loyalists were specifically instructed to pretend total loyalty to the governor while working underground to deliver the party machinery to Senator Akume when it matters most.
Another insider questioned the sudden “love” shown to Governor Alia by some of Akume’s biggest beneficiaries, asking pointedly why individuals who benefited immensely from the SGF’s political patronage have suddenly developed affection for the governor.
The development comes against the backdrop of a long-simmering cold war between Governor Alia and his political godfather, Senator Akume, over who truly calls the shots in Benue APC. The rift had earlier led to the dissolution of the Austin Agada-led State Executive Committee and the inauguration of a Unity Caretaker Committee headed by Chief Benjamin Omale.
While Governor Alia’s camp recently announced that some opposition figures would be decamping to the APC in the coming weeks, political observers say the alleged infiltration by Akume’s men could complicate the governor’s plan to consolidate power ahead of the crucial congresses.
Neither the governor’s media team nor Senator Akume’s camp has issued an official response to the allegations as at the time of filing this report.
With the battle for the soul of Benue APC heating up, one thing is clear: the next few months will determine who ultimately emerges as the beautiful bride of the party in the state come 2027 the 2027 elections.
