659
By Lizzy Chirkpi
The political dynamics in Benue State have entered a new and delicate phase following the recent defection of former governor Gabriel Suswam to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that has further reshaped the fragile power balance ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Before his recent move, Suswam was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he spent most of his political life. He served as a legislator and governor on its banner. However, on February 4, 2026, he formally resigned from the PDP, citing prolonged internal crises and unresolved disputes within the party.
Meanwhile the unfolding struggle is the increasingly strained relationship between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, his political godfather whose influence once determined the APC’s rise to power in the state.
Notably, Akume’s history of political godfatherism has rarely ended in lasting harmony. His alliance with Suswam collapsed during the governor’s tenure. His relationship with former Governor Samuel Ortom later deteriorated, and now his political bond with Governor Alia appears to be following the same troubled path.
Akume played a decisive role in Alia’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate in 2022, publicly backing him against more established figures and mobilising party structures that delivered electoral victory. However, shortly after Alia assumed office, the partnership crumbled amid disagreements over party control, appointments and long-term political direction.
Following the fallout, Governor Alia recalibrated his political base, forging new alliances with Suswam now back in the APC and Senator Barnabas Gemade, who had fiercely contested the APC primaries and pursued legal action up to the Supreme Court.
Political analysts in the state interpret Alia’s shift as a direct challenge to the entrenched political structure that has dominated Benue politics for more than a decade.
The political crisis has been further complicated by persistent insecurity across several local government areas, with repeated attacks on rural communities continuing to claim lives and destroy property.
Governor Alia attracted widespread criticism after dismissing claims that Benue was experiencing genocide. Addressing journalists amid growing public concern, he said, “There is no genocide in Benue State. What we are facing are criminal activities and communal clashes, which the government is addressing.”
The comment sparked backlash from civil society organisations, traditional rulers and victims’ families, many of whom argue that the scale and pattern of violence point to a far more organised campaign of attacks.
Public anger intensified following the Yelwata massacre, where more than 200 residents were reportedly killed. The governor’s decision to organise ceremonial welcomes involving schoolchildren during President Bola Tinubu’s condolence visit was widely condemned as insensitive, coming at a time when affected communities were still mourning.
In December 2023, APC lawmakers from Benue State in the National Assembly, led by Senator Titus Zam, passed a vote of no confidence in Governor Alia, citing “dictatorial conduct,” “arrogant behaviour,” and “poor leadership.” The caucus accused the governor of failing to consult on appointments and urged President Tinubu to intervene in the state’s affairs.
Another member of the delegation, Rep. Philip Agbese, added: “We are closer to the people and understand their suffering. The governor’s approach has deepened political division and heightened public frustration across the state.”
Senator Abba Moro (PDP), who represents Benue South Senatorial District, also criticised the state government over governance issues, including maladministration, nepotism, insensitivity and disregard for the rule of law.
“The governor does not consult us. He does not return our calls, and he treats the legislature with contempt. Governance in Benue has become a one-man show,” Moro declared.
In response to the criticisms and vote of no confidence, officials from Governor Alia’s camp defended his leadership and actions. Mr. Jonathan Iorapuu, a senior adviser to the governor, said “Governor Alia has always acted in the best interest of Benue State. Decisions regarding security and governance are based on careful assessment of the situation. Accusations of dictatorship or arrogance are unfounded and politically motivated.”
The crisis soon spread to the Benue State House of Assembly, culminating in the dramatic resignation of the Speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajoh.
Dajoh stepped down on August 24, 2025, in a handwritten letter citing the need for peace and the overall interest of the state.
In his resignation statement, he said:
“I have chosen to step aside in the interest of peace and stability, as the atmosphere within the Assembly has become increasingly tense.”
Legislative sources link the leadership shake-up to growing internal disputes over political loyalty and alignment with rival power blocs.
Multiple behind-the-scenes efforts by APC elders and national party leaders to reconcile Akume and Alia have so far failed to produce a lasting resolution.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia is believed to be strengthening ties with influential figures at the federal level, including within the Presidency a strategic move widely viewed as an attempt to counter Akume’s long-standing dominance of APC structures in the state.
Observers now anticipate a high-stakes political confrontation between Akume’s well-established political network and an incumbent governor seeking to consolidate authority through fresh alliances and federal backing.
Analysts caution, however, that Alia’s prospects for re-election may ultimately depend on public perception of his handling of insecurity, his relationship with the legislature and the unity of the ruling party.
As the 2027 election draws nearer, the state’s political future remains finely balanced.
Will Senator Akume reassert control over the APC and shape the party’s governorship ticket?
Can Governor Alia neutralise internal opposition through incumbency power and strategic alliances?
Or will widening cracks within the ruling party trigger a broader political realignment in Benue?
What is increasingly clear is that Benue is heading into one of its most fiercely contested political seasons in recent history defined by broken alliances, shifting loyalties and an intense struggle for political supremacy.