“…Former Chairman Agada and Caretaker Leader Omale Clash Over Legitimacy…”
The leadership dispute in the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reignited following the appearance of former chairman Austin Agada at a national party meeting in Abuja, attended by national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
Dr. Benjamin Omale, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, issued a statement on Thursday, accusing Agada of gatecrashing the event for publicity. Omale labeled Agada an “imposter” who engaged in a “sneak and snap show” to falsely claim legitimacy. “Austin Agada now specializes in sneaking anywhere the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Ganduje, is holding meetings, standing behind him for a snapshot, and departing immediately,” Omale stated, insisting that Agada is no longer the party’s chairman.
Truth Live News learnt that the conflict stems from a power struggle between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Senator George Akume, leading to the dissolution of Agada’s state working committee by the national party leadership, who then appointed Omale’s caretaker committee. However, Agada successfully challenged this decision in the Benue State High Court, which reinstated him as chairman.
Despite the court’s ruling, Omale has continued to manage the party, leading to further tension. Omale claimed the caretaker committee’s leadership resulted in a landslide victory in the October 5, 2024, local government elections. He dismissed Agada’s participation in the February 11 meeting, stating, “We wish to categorically state that Austin Agada was neither invited nor was there any meeting convened that warranted his presence.”
In response, Agada’s faction, through Publicity Secretary Daniel Ihomun, refuted Omale’s claims, asserting that Agada was officially invited and attended the meeting as the legitimate state chairman. “The insinuation that he attended without an invitation is not only false but also a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine his leadership,” Ihomun declared. He further questioned Omale’s membership in the party, stating that Omale’s name does not appear in the party’s register in Benue State and that his position is unrecognized in the APC Constitution.
The ongoing dispute highlights deep divisions within the Benue APC, with both sides claiming legitimacy and support from different factions within the party and the legal system. The national party leadership is reportedly taking steps to address these claims and prevent future incidents.