Benue Gov. Hyacinth Alia inaugurated a joint 2027 campaign council for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and Alia’s second-term bid amid reported absences and a roster dispute in the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ceremony took place at IBB Square in Makurdi on Nov. 5. The Benue State Ministry of Information and Orientation said leaders and representatives from the state’s three senatorial zones pledged support for both campaigns. It named Richard Asema as the council’s director-general but did not provide a full attendance list.
BusinessDay reported that Akume and the faction associated with Austin Agada were absent. The outlet also described almost all serving National Assembly members from Benue as absent but gave no count or names.
BusinessDay reported that the Benue APC released the joint council on Nov. 2. Separately, it said a statement signed by State Organising Secretary James Ornguga announced the Nov. 5 inauguration.
The outlet reported that the Benue Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027 disputed the council roster, saying its conveners and legislative candidates had been included without authorization. BusinessDay said a statement signed by the alliance’s Director-General Akange Audu reaffirmed its support for Tinubu and for APC legislative candidates aligned with Akume’s leadership. The alliance also alleged that Alia’s administration had sidelined established party leaders and structures since the APC’s 2023 election victory, the outlet reported.
BusinessDay quoted Alia urging party members to “bury our differences” and work toward the party’s common goal. The ministry said he called on council members to unite and mobilize support for the APC in 2027.
