Benue APC Jubilates as Agada Secures Second Term as State Chairman
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State erupted in celebration on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as Comrade Austin Agada was officially returned as the party's State Chairman for another four-year term. The state congress, held in Makurdi, attracted a significant gathering of party stakeholders from across all 23 local government areas, marking a pivotal moment for the party's leadership structure.
High-Profile Attendance and Official Oversight
The congress witnessed the presence of numerous political heavyweights, including one of Benue's two serving senators, nine members of the House of Representatives, and several State House of Assembly members. Notable figures such as Second Republic Senator Jack Gyado and former Minister of State for Health, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, also attended, underscoring the event's importance. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were on hand to monitor the proceedings, while representatives from various security agencies ensured order and safety throughout the exercise.
Parallel Congress Creates Leadership Controversy
While Agada's re-election proceeded through the party's original structure, a separate faction reportedly aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia conducted a parallel congress in Makurdi. This rival gathering announced Benjamin Omale as the new State Chairman, creating a contentious split within the party's ranks. Agada is widely perceived as emerging from the political framework associated with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, highlighting the underlying power dynamics at play.
Agada's Commitment to Unity and Party Goals
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Agada expressed profound gratitude to party members for what he described as a peaceful and democratic congress. He reflected on the 2022 mandate that brought his executive to power, emphasizing their success in transitioning the APC from opposition to ruling party status in Benue State. Agada pledged unwavering commitment to party unity, stating, "We will stand on the unity of the party as laid down by our leader, the SGF, and we will work hard to ensure the return of our president, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as those who are on our side." He assured supporters that his renewed tenure would focus on consolidating gains and avoiding disappointment.
National Assembly Caucus Endorses Re-Election
The Benue APC Caucus in the National Assembly warmly welcomed Agada's re-election, characterizing it as a strong reaffirmation of the mandate originally granted in 2022. Speaking to journalists after the congress, the Caucus Spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese, congratulated Agada and his executive, praising their resilience and dedication. He noted, "Despite their sufferings and all they have passed through in Benue State since 2023, they chose to remain steadfast and committed to the original structure of the party." Agbese highlighted the historical continuity of the party's structure, tracing it back to its origins and crediting Senator George Akume for leading the APC to dominance in Benue and Nigeria.
Broader Political Context and Defections
This development occurs against a backdrop of ongoing political realignments in Nigeria. Recently, excitement swept through Aboh Mbaise and Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency as Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Chukwudumebi, known as Dumebi Ifeanyi, formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. His move, confirmed amid street celebrations by APC supporters, underscores the fluid nature of political loyalties and the APC's efforts to expand its influence ahead of future elections.
