Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State have formally petitioned the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, demanding the immediate suspension of the former Benue State party Chairman, Austin Agada. The petition, signed by the National Organising Secretary of the APC Solidarity Group, Sa’idu Muhammad, accused Agada of engaging in anti-party activities and publicly opposing the APC's candidates in Benue State. The petition dated 28th September, 2026, was titled: “Petition against anti-party activities, public opposition to the APC governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates in Benue South Senatorial district, Zone C of Benue state: A conduct prejudicial to the interest of the APC at large.”
The "Rainbow Coalition" is a support group of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, aimed at galvanising support across party lines for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. However, the coalition has put some governors of the ruling party in an uneasy situation because of the decision to support candidates against the APC in some states. Agada, acting as leader of a prominent faction of the APC loyal to the Secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made a highly publicised move by cross-party endorsing Senator Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others.
According to the petitioners, Agada granted an interview on TVC Politics Today on 28th September, 2026, where he stated that he has no reason to campaign for the APC gubernatorial candidate in Benue, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, in the 2027 governorship election. The group recalled that Agada's position is contrary to the position of the governors elected on the platform of the APC, which was communicated through the Progressives Governor’s Forum and also endorsed by the 36 State chapters of the party and the FCT through the State Chairmen of the party.
The APC Solidarity Group called on the NWC to constitute an investigative committee to investigate Agada's alleged anti-party activities. They also demanded that Agada be invited to appear before the committee and a disciplinary committee be constituted to discipline him if found guilty. Furthermore, the group requested that the disciplinary measures against Agada be publicised to serve as a deterrent to others. The group noted that Agada's position raises serious questions of party loyalty and compliance with the obligations expected of a senior member of the APC as stated in the party’s constitution.
The petitioners alleged that Agada, as leader of a prominent faction of the APC loyal to Senator George Akume, boldly printed banners of President Bola Tinubu and Senator Abba Moro of the PDP during a campaign event. This move was seen as a clear endorsement of Moro, who is running against the APC's candidate in the 2027 senatorial election. The group described Agada's actions as a conduct prejudicial to the interest of the APC at large.
The development has put the APC in Benue State in a quandary, with some leaders expressing concerns over Agada's alleged anti-party activities. The party's NWC is yet to react to the petition, but sources close to the party's leadership indicate that the matter will be investigated and appropriate action taken. The incident has also raised questions about the party's internal dynamics and the influence of various factions within the party.
The crisis in the Benue APC is unfolding against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The party's performance in the state will be crucial in determining its overall success in the elections. The suspension of Agada, if approved by the NWC, could have significant implications for the party's fortunes in Benue State. Key players in the party are watching the developments closely, as the outcome could affect the party's chances in the state.
Key points
- APC leaders in Benue State petition NWC, demanding suspension of former Chairman Austin Agada for alleged anti-party activities.
- Agada accused of cross-party endorsement of Senator Abba Moro of PDP and others.
- Petitioners demand investigative committee, disciplinary action against Agada.
