As Alia Lobbies Tinubu in France, Wike Expected to Block Him
By Morgan Adikwu
In a landmark judgment delivered today, Justice T. A. Kume of High Court 4, Makurdi, upheld the leadership of Comrade Austin Agada as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State. The court dismissed the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC) by the National Working Committee (NWC), declaring it unconstitutional and a gross violation of Agada’s fundamental rights to fair hearing.
Justice Kume, in his ruling, noted that the action of the NWC failed to follow due process, stating, “From the evidence presented, it is clear that the tenure of office of the applicant, Austin Agada, is for a period of four years. For the avoidance of doubt, this suit, No. MHC/1587m/2024, has merit and is hereby granted. All submissions to the contrary are dismissed.” The court further ruled that the dissolution of the SWC violated the APC’s Constitution and the democratic principles it ought to uphold.
While this significant judgment unfolded, reports emerged that Governor Hyacinth Alia was in France, allegedly lobbying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consolidate his grip on the APC in Benue. Political analysts view this as yet another ploy by Alia to exploit his oft-used narrative of victimhood, seeking to undermine Agada’s leadership despite repeated court affirmations.
Political Intrigues Surrounding Alia’s Trip to France
Governor Alia’s actions have sparked widespread speculation and criticism. His trip to France coincides with the court’s ruling, leading many to question the timing and intent behind his moves. A prominent political analyst remarked, “This is not a coincidence. Governor Alia has a history of presenting himself as a victim to manipulate political outcomes. However, with someone like Nyesom Wike, who detests pretentiousness, involved in the process, Alia’s strategy may backfire.”
Observers believe that Wike, known for his bluntness and insistence on transparency, will likely frustrate Alia’s alleged attempts to curry favor through lobbying. Many see this as a critical test of Alia’s political maneuvers, which have long been characterized by subterfuge and attempts to circumvent internal party processes.
Another political pundit commented, “If Governor Alia is truly as popular as he claims, why not embrace the principles of democracy? His constant disregard for party stalwarts and democratic norms has not only weakened the APC in Benue but also exposed him as a liability rather than an asset to the party.”
Implications For Benue’s Political Landscape
The court’s judgment today, coupled with Alia’s controversial lobbying efforts, has further polarized the political landscape in Benue State. Agada’s victory has been hailed by many as a triumph of democracy and a rejection of undemocratic tenets in the state’s political affairs. His resilience in the face of calculated attempts to undermine his leadership has earned him widespread admiration.
Conversely, Alia’s political tactics have come under fire. Critics argue that his disregard for internal democracy, coupled with his alignment with unconventional political allies, has eroded the APC’s unity in Benue. A growing number of political observers are calling for Alia to test his popularity outside the APC if he remains intent on subverting its principles.
As the year draws to a close, the political narrative in Benue is being shaped by these unfolding events. Alia’s trip to France, interpreted by many as a desperate move, faces significant opposition from party loyalists and political heavyweights like Wike. Meanwhile, Agada’s legal triumph underscores his legitimacy and reinforces the importance of upholding democratic principles in party governance.
With the political dynamics in Benue evolving rapidly, the coming months will likely determine the future of the APC in the state and the broader implications for governance. For now, Agada’s victory serves as a reminder that democracy, when upheld, can triumph over even the most calculated political maneuvers.
