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In a significant move to restore unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the formation of a high-powered reconciliation committee, appointing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as its chairman. The announcement, made in late December 2025, aims to address the protracted internal conflict between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, which has resulted in factionalism and the emergence of two parallel state party chairmen.
The crisis, ongoing since shortly after Governor Alia’s assumption of office in 2023, has seen repeated failed reconciliation attempts and escalating tensions, including public clashes and competing party structures. Observers note that the divisions have weakened the party’s cohesion in the state, potentially impacting governance and future electoral prospects.
The committee’s mandate includes investigating the root causes of disunity and factionalism, engaging key stakeholders, party organs, and critical figures to foster genuine reconciliation, and proposing structural, procedural, and strategic reforms for sustainable peace and political stability. It is also tasked with submitting a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations directly to President Tinubu.
This is the second time President Tinubu has entrusted Speaker Abbas with leading an APC reconciliation effort, following his successful chairmanship of a similar committee for Bauchi State in August 2025, which concluded its work and forwarded findings to the President. Reports indicate that the Benue panel includes other prominent APC figures and is expected to commence wide-ranging consultations immediately.
Stakeholders have largely welcomed the intervention, viewing it as a timely step toward healing divisions and strengthening the party ahead of future political engagements. As the committee begins its work, attention turns to whether this presidential initiative will finally bridge the gap between the warring factions and restore harmony in Benue’s APC.
