Tensions Ease Between Governor Alia, SGF Akume Amid Signs of Reconciliation in Benue APC
The once simmering political tension between Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, appears to have faded, following months of speculation over an alleged power struggle within the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
For much of late 2023 and early 2024, media reports and political observers pointed to a widening rift between the two top figures, suggesting that a cold war had been brewing over control of the party structure in Benue State. Allegations surfaced that Akume, a former governor and influential APC stalwart, was backing parallel factions and resisting some of Governor Alia’s appointments. The perceived power tussle led to growing concerns about internal instability in the state’s ruling party.
In December 2024, tensions escalated further when a North-Central APC forum publicly called on Akume to refrain from undermining Alia’s leadership. The group warned that continued infighting could damage the party’s credibility and risk triggering a mass exodus of party members, similar to the fallout during former Governor Samuel Ortom’s tenure.
Despite the persistent speculation, Governor Alia consistently downplayed reports of a feud. He described the alleged rift as “imaginary,” attributing the rumors to political opportunists seeking to divide the party for their own gain. His public stance was reaffirmed during the celebration of Senator Akume’s 70th birthday in Makurdi, where Governor Alia referred to the SGF as a “father of Benue” and dismissed any suggestion of discord as baseless.
In a further show of unity, the governor clarified that he never authorized or supported calls for Akume’s removal from his national post. He described such statements, allegedly issued by some party appointees, as unauthorized and not reflective of his position. “Senator Akume remains a respected leader and elder in Benue and beyond. There is no war between us,” Alia said at the time.
Recent developments suggest that the two leaders have shifted from a period of cold confrontation to one of cautious reconciliation. Public rebukes and political maneuvering have largely subsided, and both camps appear more aligned, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts say the easing of tensions is a strategic move that benefits both leaders. For Governor Alia, it strengthens his grip on the state without risking party fragmentation. For Senator Akume, it preserves his influence in Benue politics and reinforces his standing within the national APC leadership.
The rapprochement also boosts the party’s overall stability in Benue, a key battleground in the North-Central region. With public unity now restored, at least in appearance, the APC hopes to consolidate its base and avoid internal divisions that could weaken its electoral prospects.
While private disagreements may still exist, the prevailing public narrative is one of peace and mutual respect. Whether this unity will endure through the 2027 election cycle remains to be seen, but for now, the political temperature in Benue has cooled, and party stakeholders appear determined to present a united front.
