A group of All Progressives Congress leaders has petitioned the party's National Working Committee, seeking sanctions against former Benue State Chairman Austin Agada. The petition, dated October 2, 2026, alleges Agada's involvement in the 2027 Strategic Alliance, also known as the Rainbow Coalition, in Benue State. The group accuses Agada of publicly endorsing candidates of other political parties, including PDP Senator Abba Moro.
The petition, signed by the group's National Organising Secretary Alhaji Sa'idu Muhammad, claims Agada publicly stated he would not campaign for the APC governorship candidate in Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. The group also alleges Agada displayed banners with APC presidential candidate President Bola Tinubu and Moro of the PDP. They urge the NWC to investigate Agada, invite him to defend himself, and impose sanctions if found culpable.
According to the group, Agada leads a faction of the APC in Benue State loyal to Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation. They allege Agada granted an interview on TVC PoliticsTonight, stating he had no reason to campaign for Alia's re-election. The group believes this position raises questions about party loyalty and compliance with APC obligations.
The APC group accuses Agada of involvement in the Rainbow Coalition, alleging his activities oppose the party's interests. They state the APC, with over 12 million members, remains ahead of other parties and is prepared for the 2027 general elections. The group acknowledges supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election is consistent with APC's national interest but not at the expense of other APC candidates.
The group urges the NWC to examine Article 21 of the APC Constitution to determine if Agada's activities constitute anti-party conduct. They stress the need for party supremacy, discipline, and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The petition aims to serve as a deterrent to others planning anti-party activities.
As a former Chairman of the APC in Benue State, Agada understands the importance of party supremacy, discipline, loyalty, and respect for party organs. His public opposition to APC candidates is seen as a serious matter requiring national leadership attention. The APC in Benue State cannot afford senior members openly campaigning for other parties against APC interests.
The group emphasizes the NWC's authority to discipline erring members and urges them to act according to the party's constitution. They stress that recent concerns over divisions within the Benue chapter have raised questions about the party's cohesion. The APC's strength depends on discipline, loyalty, internal democracy, and party supremacy.
Key points
- APC leaders petition NWC over ex-Benue chair Austin Agada's alleged anti-party activities.
- Agada accused of involvement in 2027 Strategic Alliance, endorsing other parties' candidates.
- Petition seeks sanctions against Agada to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
