By Morgan Adikwu
The year 2024 marked a significant chapter for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, defined by political travails, judicial victories, and a resolute commitment to the party’s unity and future. Against a backdrop of internal discord and external challenges, the party’s resilience and unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator George Akume, and Comrade Austin Agada emerged as a formidable foundation for its political fortunes ahead of the 2025 political activities.
In a symbolic show of solidarity, leaders and stakeholders of the Benue South APC, led by elder statesman Chief Audu Ogbeh, visited the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to reaffirm their confidence in his leadership. The delegation unequivocally endorsed Akume’s stewardship, hailing his consistent role in fostering unity within the APC and advancing the national agenda under President Tinubu. They extended the same vote of confidence to Comrade Austin Agada, whose leadership as State Chairman has weathered storms and emerged stronger in the face of political machinations.
The visit was graced by other notable figures in solidarity with Benue South, including Senator for Benue North West Chief Titus Zam, PhD, Executive Director of Finance, Housing, and Accounts at the Federal Housing Authority, Dr. Mathias Byuan, Dr. Vincent Isegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Chairman of the APC Elders Forum Chief Simon Shango, and Chief of Staff to the SGF Chris Tarkaa. This gathering demonstrated the party’s commitment to working together towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The visit served not just as an endorsement but as a bold statement of the APC’s internal resolve and strategic direction. Chief Ogbeh, alongside other prominent figures such as Chief Agbo Ogah, Bishop Pinot Ogbaji, and Prince Abba Yaro, condemned the orchestrated attempts to destabilize the party, describing recent challenges as mere distractions that would strengthen rather than weaken the APC in Benue.
The delegation’s renewed solidarity with Akume and Agada underscored the central role both leaders play in safeguarding the party’s unity. Their collective leadership, combined with grassroots loyalty and alignment with President Tinubu’s administration, remains the APC’s strongest political asset heading into 2025.
Earlier in the year, the judiciary proved to be a bulwark of democracy by dismissing the controversial suspension of Agada and dissolution of the APC State Working Committee. This victory, which reinstated Comrade Austin Agada as Chairman, affirmed the independence of the courts and reinforced the credibility of the party’s leadership. While there were allegations of financial inducements to influence judicial outcomes of the appeal—a staggering figure of ₦3 billion reportedly sourced from public funds—these claims ignited broader concerns over transparency and fiscal prudence within the state’s governance structure.
In the wake of this, the APC’s leadership at both state and national levels emerged resolute, with Senator Akume at the forefront of efforts to stabilize the party. Akume’s steadfast leadership, tempered by years of political experience and national influence, proved instrumental in navigating the turbulence that threatened to fracture the party. His role as a bridge between the Benue APC and the Presidency further solidified his position as a statesman dedicated to both local and national progress.
The political discord reached a symbolic flashpoint during the burial of elder statesman Paul Unongo, where events revealed deep fissures within the political leadership in Benue. Amid the controversy, Senator Akume stepped in to deliver President Tinubu’s eulogy, a move that reinforced Akume’s indispensable role as a unifier and senior figure in the APC. Political observers noted that this moment depicted Akume’s ability to uphold decorum and leadership where others faltered, earning him further accolades from party loyalists and stakeholders.
The challenges of 2024, however, were not limited to leadership tussles and judicial battles. Grassroots mobilization became a focal point, as party leaders emphasized the importance of consolidating support across all zones. The Benue South visit to Akume in Abuja proved pivotal in this regard, uniting APC stalwarts and stakeholders who reaffirmed their loyalty to the party’s structures and President Tinubu’s administration. This show of unity, spearheaded by Chief Audu Ogbeh, set the stage for a reinvigorated APC prepared to reclaim its political dominance in Benue.
The collective endorsement of Akume and Agada during this visit served as both a reaffirmation of leadership and a strategic signal of the APC’s readiness for future contests. At a time when internal discord threatened to undermine the party, the leadership’s ability to rally support and maintain cohesion proved critical to its stability.
As the year draws to a close, the Benue APC stands fortified by its judicial victories, grassroots resilience, and unwavering confidence in its leadership. The travails of 2024 have only served to strengthen the party’s resolve, with Senator Akume, Comrade Austin Agada, and President Tinubu emerging as the rallying figures for unity and progress.
Looking ahead to 2025, the APC in Benue State is well-positioned to translate its trials into triumphs. The events of the past year offer a blueprint for navigating future challenges, ensuring that the party remains a formidable force. With its leadership intact, grassroots support unwavering, and a clear alignment with the national agenda, the APC is poised to consolidate its gains and chart a new path for political success in the state and beyond.
