A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Benue South (Zone C) has delivered a blistering ultimatum to Governor Hyacinth Alia, warning that the state party chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, and the Och’Doma of Idoma Land, His Royal Highness John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, bear responsibility if the APC suffers defeats in the 2027 elections due to their alleged meddling in party affairs.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Dr. Mathew Achigili (Chairman), Hon. Simon Adanu (Secretary), and Hon. Mrs. Grace Inalegwu (Woman Leader), the group accused the duo of sowing discord by imposing party officials and manipulating appointments across the zone, leading to widespread disarray.
“The exclusive right to appoint point men in any local government belongs to the governor; however, in Apa-Agatu, we firmly believe the governor was misinformed by the state party chairman, who acts as the errand boy of the Och’Doma,” the statement asserted. “As it stands, the APC in Apa-Agatu, Ohimini, Otukpo, and Ogbadibo is in complete disarray. Without urgent action, the party risks total anarchy.”
The coalition singled out Apa-Agatu as a flashpoint, alleging the leaders are scheming to favor recently decamped lawmaker Hon. Ojotu Ojema. While vowing to stay within the APC, the group issued a stark threat: “We vow not to leave the party but remain to sabotage it from inside.”
Six Key Demands
The stakeholders laid out a series of demands to avert further fallout, including:
– Mandatory consultation with Zone C stakeholders before any appointments or political decisions.
– An immediate halt to the intimidation of local government chairmen who voice dissent.
– A call for the Och’Doma to uphold political neutrality, akin to his counterpart, the Tor Tiv.
– A ban on imposing ward and local government executives ahead of upcoming APC congresses.
– Safeguarding existing zoning arrangements, particularly for the Apa-Agatu and Otukpo-Ohimini federal constituencies.
– Protection against the alleged handover of party structures to the Och’Doma, which they claim has pushed some members toward the Action Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group further charged that Omale has effectively ceded control of Zone C structures to the traditional ruler, exacerbating internal fractures in the nine-local-government-area region—a perennial hotspot for rivalries among elected officials, monarchs, and party operatives.
Palace Rebuttal: Allegations ‘Politically Motivated’
In a rapid response, the Palace of the Och’Doma dismissed the claims as a baseless smear campaign against a revered traditional leader.
Palace Secretary Mr. Adegbe Uloko emphasized that His Royal Highness—a PhD-holding pastor renowned for his integrity—remains staunchly apolitical and has never sought to sway electoral outcomes in Benue State.
“The House of Representatives member referenced is the younger brother of the Och’Doma’s wife; his political choices are his own,” Uloko stated. “The Och’Doma avoids politics entirely. His track record is spotless, and he will not be derailed by those spreading rumors for political advantage.”
Broader Implications for APC’s 2027 Prospects
Political observers caution that the deepening rift—particularly the coalition’s pledge to undermine the party internally—poses a grave threat to APC’s hold on Benue South ahead of the 2027 polls. The zone’s volatility could ripple across the state if Governor Alia fails to broker reconciliation.
The coalition implored Alia and top APC brass to step in “to restore order, fairness, and stakeholder consultation” in Zone C without delay.
As of press time, neither the Governor’s Office nor the State APC Secretariat had responded to requests for comment.
