Politics

Benue APC Crisis Deepens As Police Shut Secretariat

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2024

The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in Benue State has assumed dangerous dimensions as the party opened a factional secretariat on Thursday.

The party is in turmoil, with the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, and his cabinet and supporters pitted against the APC structure led by state Chairman, Austin Agada.

The Agada-led state working committee is loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The PUNCH had reported that Agada was purportedly removed as the party chairman by his Ehaje council ward and subsequently restrained from parading himself as party chairman.

Following the court injunctions, the state executive committee of the party led by the governor thereafter appointed Benjamin Omakolo as the acting party chairman.

But Omakolo was later sacked by the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpampese, after vacating the order restraining Agada.

While the party secretariat located at J.S. Tarka Road is being occupied by the Agada-led state working committee, the factional office was opened on Thursday by Omakolo-led team located close to the government house, Makurdi.

The PUNCH correspondent who monitored the situation on Friday observed stern-looking security men drawn from police officers, personnel of the state Community Volunteer Guard, members of the Peace Corps and political touts condoned by the Agada-led secretariat.

Vehicles and motorcycles as well as people passing through the area were thoroughly scrutinised and diverted to other routes.

The sealing of the secretariat may not be unconnected with the meeting of the APC stakeholders earlier conveyed by the state party chairman.

The notice of the meeting was announced by the state party publicity secretary, Daniel Ihomun, in a notice titled, ‘Notice of Executive Interface with Dr Mathias Byuan and APC stakeholders meeting’ at the state party secretariat on Friday.

Shortly after the announcement of the meeting, the state government placed a ban on political meetings in the state and hinged the reason for insecurity.

A letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Paul Biam, and addressed to the state Commissioner of Police partly read, “I write to inform you that his Excellency, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has banned all political gatherings in any form, be it intra or inter-party or groups in Benue State till further notice.

“This has become necessary following intelligence on the volatility of the security atmosphere in the state.”

In response to the letter banning political gatherings, the CP, Emmanuel Adesina, through his deputy, Samuel Gimba, wrote a letter to the APC state chairman, Agada, and asked him to suspend the proposed meeting.

Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

Politics

Govt That Fails To Protect Its Citizens Has No Business Remaining In Office – Kwankwaso

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling 2,000 operatives of the Kano State Neighbourhood Security Network.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief” in addressing banditry and other security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s military “remains one of the most gallant in the world,” having served in international peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones.

However, he said the armed forces are not being adequately supported to perform optimally.

“Today, many innocent Nigerians are being killed, while the perpetrators walk freely as if nothing happened. The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, added: “When I was Defence Minister, I knew the capability of the Nigerian military. They are courageous and professional but need clear direction, support, and political will to do the needful.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically ranked among the best globally and urged the government to equip them properly to change the current security situation.

Kwankwaso also said that if elected president in 2027, he would recruit over one million additional military personnel to strengthen national security.

“Any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed woefully and has no business remaining in office,” he declared.

He further called on the Federal Government to integrate community-based security initiatives, like the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security system to boost morale and improve intelligence-driven operations against criminals.

Politics

ADC Announces Temporary Closure Of Secretariat

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC , says it has temporarily closed its National Secretariat as part of the end-of-year break.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said full operations are scheduled to resume in the New Year.

According to the statement, the secretariat will close on December 23, 2025, and reopen on January 5, 2026.

The party, however, said essential skeletal services will remain available throughout the period, while all other official activities at the National Secretariat will be suspended to allow staff and party officials observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“This is to inform the public that the African Democratic Congress National Secretariat will close for the year on 23rd December 2025 and will resume full operations on 5th January 2026.

“During this period, only skeletal services will be available, while all other official activities at the Secretariat will be temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

The party thanked its members, partners and supporters for their continued loyalty and cooperation throughout the year, noting that their support remains critical to the growth and stability of the party.

The ADC also said it is committed to its ideals and to democratic engagement as it prepares for activities in the coming year.