The Worst That Will Happen to APC is to Give the Party’s Ticket to Governor Hyacinth Alia – Otache
Napoleon Otache, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has cautioned the party against fielding Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, as its 2027 governorship candidate, warning that it could cost the party a major political setback in the state.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, June 29, 2026, Otache said the APC would face electoral defeat if the governor is handed the party’s ticket, adding that the outcome could be swift and decisive on election day.
He said, “The worst that will happen to APC is to give the party’s ticket to Governor Hyacinth Alia. If the governorship ticket is given to the current governor of Benue State, APC will lose the election before 12:00 in the afternoon
His remarks reflect the divisions that have continued to trouble the Benue APC since Governor Alia assumed office.
At the centre of the disagreement is a strained relationship between the governor and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who played a key role in securing the party’s victory in 2023.
Over time, both men have fallen out politically, with accusations of mistrust and lack of coordination widening the gap within the party’s leadership in the state.
The rift has also triggered concerns at the national level, prompting repeated efforts to restore unity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly intervened in the crisis through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has met with key stakeholders on several occasions.
Speaking during the wedding reception of Senator Akume’s son in December, Shettima appealed for calm, urging Governor Alia and the SGF to reconcile and work together in the interest of Benue State.
He also stressed the importance of respecting Akume’s long-standing role in national politics and his contributions to the party’s growth.
Despite these interventions, tensions within the Benue APC remain unresolved, raising concerns about the party’s cohesion as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
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