Group raises alarm over alleged sales of irregular APC congress forms in Benue, urges Tinubu to Intervene
By Julius Alabi, Akure
A political advocacy group, Coalition for Good Governance, has accused the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, of actions capable of deepening divisions within the Benue State chapter of the party ahead of its congresses.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the group alleged that the party chairman sold congress forms to two separate camps in Benue State, a move it described as a recipe for crisis.
The briefing, held at Grand Ibro Hotel, Abuja, was addressed by the group’s Chairman, Chief Anthony Uwu; Secretary, Mrs. Margaret Terna; and Publicity Secretary, Comrade John Terkura.
The coalition recalled a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu, members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), Progressive Governors and the national chairman at the Imo State Governors’ Lodge in Abuja.
According to the group, it was resolved at the meeting that APC governors would purchase congress forms for their respective states to forestall post-congress disputes.
The group said the agreement was designed to ensure unity and strengthen the party’s electoral prospects in future general elections.
However, it alleged that after selling the forms to governors in line with the agreement, Yilwatda went ahead to approve another set of forms for Benue State, allegedly purchased by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The coalition claimed that the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, had already paid for and collected the original congress materials as the recognised leader of the party in the state.
It further alleged that the second transaction followed a private meeting involving Akume and an official of the Federal Housing Authority.
The group warned that conducting parallel congresses in Benue could weaken party cohesion and undermine the president’s chances in the state in 2027.
Drawing comparisons with other states, the coalition noted that similar dual purchases had not occurred in states such as Akwa Ibom or Lagos.
It therefore called on President Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into the alleged sale of duplicate congress forms and to take disciplinary action if wrongdoing is established.
The group also raised concerns over alleged plans by political actors to instigate unrest during the congresses, urging security agencies to remain neutral and professional.
