followed nationwide, with national secretaries keeping them informed before and after party congresses.”
He further added:
“Regarding media reports suggesting factionalism led by Senator George Akume (SGF), it is important to note that the APC in Benue State remains united.
“Allegations of parallel congresses or conflicting party leadership are unsubstantiated. Former leaders and party officials stress that all congresses, including the most recent, were conducted peacefully, following the official provisions and rules of the APC.
“There is only one recognized structure of the party, and any claim to the contrary must be backed with credible proof.
“The party does not tolerate self-organized elections outside official channels. Any such attempt undermines constitutional procedures and is therefore invalid.
“All recognized elections are supervised and documented according to party regulations, and results are formally communicated to the national level.
“In summary, the just-concluded APC congress in Benue State was conducted peacefully, in line with national guidelines, and there were no parallel elections or factional disputes.
“The party structure in the state operates under recognized national authority, ensuring that its processes remain constitutional, transparent, and united.”
However, the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Comrade Daniel-Morgan Ihomun, admitted that another congress was held by the Alia faction but described it as invalid.
He said: “Yes, there was a parallel congress, but it does not hold water. What we did was the reaffirmation of ward executives for another four-year tenure, through a vote of confidence by party faithful.
“Anyone claiming to be part of the party executive committee outside the people we reaffirmed is an impostor.”
A former lawmaker from Ogbadibo, Alfred Apochi, said the election in his ward was peaceful and produced new leadership.
He stated: “In fact, we had the most peaceful election in my ward. The outgoing chairman, Tony Okpe, stood in line to vote for the new chairman.
“So, there was no faction in my place.”
With both camps standing firm and new political alliances emerging, the Benue APC now faces a serious test of unity.
Nevertheless, party leaders at the national level are expected to step in to harmonise the outcomes or formally recognise one structure.
