Benue APC Re-elects Austin Agada As State Chairman
By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has re-elected Comrade Austin Agada as the State Chairman for another four-year term.
The state congress, held Tuesday in Makurdi, drew party stakeholders from across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Among those in attendance were one of the state’s two senators, nine of the eleven members of the House of Representatives from Benue, several members of the State House of Assembly, Second Republic Senator Jack Gyado, and former Minister of State for Health and ex-Ambassador to Switzerland, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the exercise, alongside representatives of various security agencies.
Comrade Agada alongside other officials were returned by affirmation and is widely believed to have emerged through the political structure of Senator Akume.
I'm his acceptance speech, Comrade Agada Pledged loyalty and unity Agada even as he thanked members for the peaceful conduct of the congress and for renewing his mandate.
He recalled that in 2022, when his executive assumed office, the party was in opposition but was later positioned for victory.
He pledged not to disappoint members and promised to uphold party unity in line with the leadership of Senator George Akume.
He also assured that his executive would work towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, along with other party candidates.
Meantime, the Benue APC National Assembly Caucus has congratulated Comrade Agada, describing his emergence as reaffirmation of the 2022 mandate.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Hon. Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, praised the Agada-led executive for remaining steadfast despite political challenges in the state since 2023.
He traced the party’s roots from the defunct AC to ACN and its eventual merger into the APC in 2013, expressing confidence in the leadership of Senator Akume for strengthening the party both in Benue and nationally.
Agbese urged members to continue supporting Akume and to work collectively towards delivering President Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
In a related development, another APC faction loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia also conducted its state congress in Makurdi, where Acting Chairman, Mr. Benjamin Omale emerged as State Chairman.
The congress committee chairman, Dr. Auwalu Ishiye, and secretary, Mr. Tijani Abdullahi, said the 36 state executive positions were filled through voice affirmation, after which the newly elected officials were sworn in.
Ishiye described the process as credible, fair and transparent, adding that it reflected the party’s commitment to unity, discipline and internal democracy.
He commended Governor Alia for fostering peaceful ward, local government and state congresses, stressing that party decisions remain supreme.
Benjamin Omale, who emerged chairman in the Alia-aligned faction, pledged to make the APC a home for all members, assuring that his leadership would strengthen the party at the grassroots to consolidate support for Governor Alia.
Governor Alia, in his remarks, commended party members for their peaceful and lawful conduct throughout the congresses and expressed optimism that such unity would translate into greater development, economic growth and improved security in the state.
Also speaking, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Chairman of the Benue APC Elders Forum, commended Governor Alia’s performance in agriculture, commerce, security and youth empowerment.
