A group, the National Youths Coalition, has alleged that some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress are plotting to weaken the party's chances in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued by the coalition's National Convener, John Vershima, who urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent what he described as a plan to cede the state to opposition parties.
The group claimed the alleged plot became evident after an alleged meeting between a former APC senatorial aspirant in Benue State, Emmanuel Jime, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in Abuja a few days ago.
It recalled that Jime recently led about 21 APC chieftains from Benue to Akume's office, where they reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia and vowed not to support the party's efforts in the state during the 2027 elections.
According to the coalition, the development points to what it described as a growing political alliance between Akume and elements within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in Benue.
The group warned that the alleged alliance could weaken the APC and hand electoral advantage to the PDP in the next general elections if the party's internal crisis remains unresolved.
It further argued that a similar political realignment contributed to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Benue, where the Labour Party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, secured victory in the state.
The coalition also called on the National Working Committee of the APC to urgently reconcile Governor Alia and Akume, warning that the lingering leadership dispute could have serious consequences for the party's fortunes in 2027.
In addition, the group criticised former Attorney General of the Federation and former PDP governorship candidate in Benue, Mike Aondoakaa, over the handling of compensation for victims of the Zaki Biam-Gbeji massacre, alleging that affected families were not adequately compensated during his tenure.
The allegations by the coalition had not been responded to by the individuals mentioned as of the time of filing this report.
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