The All Progressives Congress (APC) is considering suspending its former chairman in Benue State, Comrade Austin Agada, over alleged anti-party activities. This development follows a petition by the APC Solidarity Group to the party's National Working Committee (NWC). The group accuses Agada of publicly opposing APC candidates and supporting opposition party candidates in Benue State.
According to the petition, Agada endorsed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Abba Moro during the party's campaign flag-off and re-election declaration in Benue South Senatorial District. The APC had its own candidate for the 2027 senatorial election. The group also alleged that Agada displayed banners with images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Moro during the event.
The petitioners cited an alleged statement by Agada during a TVC Politics Tonight interview on September 28, 2026. He reportedly said he had no reason to campaign for the APC governorship candidate in Benue State and would not support Governor Hyacinth Alia's re-election bid. The group described this position as contrary to party loyalty and discipline principles.
The APC Solidarity Group raised concerns over Agada's alleged involvement with the "Benue Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027," or the "Rainbow Coalition." This coalition involves members of other parties, including the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). The group claims it operates in a manner that undermines the APC's recognised structures and candidates in Benue.
The petitioners acknowledged that support for President Tinubu's 2027 re-election aligns with the APC's national interest. However, they maintained that such support should not extend to campaigning against other candidates nominated by the party. They urged the NWC to determine whether Agada's alleged activities constituted anti-party conduct punishable under Article 21 of the APC Constitution.
As a former state chairman of the APC, Agada is expected to be familiar with the party's constitution, structures, and obligations. The petitioners warned that open opposition to APC candidates by senior party members could undermine the party's unity and electoral prospects in Benue ahead of the 2027 elections. They demanded an investigative committee to examine the allegations and invite Agada to appear.
The group called for a disciplinary committee to be constituted if the allegations were established and urged the NWC to publicise any sanctions imposed. The petition, signed by the group's National Organising Secretary, Saidu Muhammad, included video clips and publications as evidence. The APC's strength depends on discipline, loyalty, internal democracy, party supremacy, and respect for recognised party organs' decisions.
Key points
- The APC is considering suspending Comrade Austin Agada for alleged anti-party activities.
- Agada allegedly endorsed PDP Senator Abba Moro and opposed APC candidates in Benue State.
- The APC Solidarity Group urges the NWC to investigate and apply disciplinary measures if the allegations are proven.
