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Written by Lizzy Chakupi
Political dynamics in Benue State have entered a new delicate phase following the recent defection of former Governor Gabriel Suswam to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that will further reshape the fragile balance of power ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Before his recent relocation, Suswam was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he spent most of his political life. He served as a congressman and governor under that banner. However, on February 4, 2026, he officially resigned from the PDP, citing prolonged internal crisis and unresolved disputes within the party.
Meanwhile, an unfolding struggle is the increasingly strained relationship between Governor Hyacinth Aria and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Akume’s political godfather was once a man whose influence determined the rise of the APC in the state.
Notably, the history of Mr. Acme’s political godfathership rarely ends in lasting harmony. The alliance with Swam collapsed during the governor’s tenure. His relationship with former Governor Samuel Ortom has since soured and his current political ties with Governor Aria appear to be following the same troubled path.
Akume played a decisive role in Aria’s emergence as the 2022 APC gubernatorial candidate, publicly supporting him against more established figures and mobilizing the party apparatus that delivered him electoral victory. But the partnership unraveled shortly after Arya became prime minister due to disagreements over the party’s management, personnel and long-term political direction.
In the wake of the uproar, Governor Arya readjusted his political base and forged a new alliance with Suswam, who has now returned to the APC, and Senator Barnabas Gemade, who fought bitterly in the APC primaries and took the case all the way to the Supreme Court.
Political analysts in the state interpret Alia’s replacement as a direct challenge to the entrenched political structure that has dominated Benue politics for more than a decade.
The political crisis is further complicated by the continuing security situation in several local government areas, as repeated attacks on rural areas continue to claim lives and destroy property.
Governor Alia drew widespread criticism for dismissing claims that genocide was occurring in Benue. Amid growing public concern, he told reporters: “There is no genocide in Benue state. What we are facing is criminality and gang violence and the government is addressing this.”
The comments prompted a backlash from civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and victims’ families, many of whom argue that the scale and pattern of violence indicates a more coordinated attack campaign.
Public anger intensified following the Yelwata massacre, in which more than 200 residents were reportedly killed. The governor’s decision to hold a ceremony involving school children during President Bola Tinubu’s condolences was widely condemned as insensitive, coming at a time when affected communities were still grieving.
In December 2023, Benue State APC legislators led by Senator Titus Zam passed a motion of no confidence in Governor Arya, citing “dictatorial conduct,” “arrogant conduct,” and “poor leadership.” The caucus accused the governor of failing to consult on the appointment and called on President Tinubu to intervene in national affairs.
Rep. Philip Agbesu, another member of the delegation, added, “We are closer to the people and understand their suffering. The governor’s approach is deepening political divisions and heightening public dissatisfaction across the state.”
Senator Abba Moro (PDP), representing Benue South Senatorial District, also criticized the state government for governance issues such as mismanagement, nepotism, insensitivity and disregard for the rule of law.
“The governor does not consult us, he does not respond to our calls and treats the parliament with contempt. Governance in Benue has become a one-man show,” Moro asserted.
In response to the criticism and vote of no confidence, officials from Governor Aliah’s camp defended his leadership and actions. “Governor Arya has always acted in the best interests of Benue State. Decisions regarding security and governance are based on a careful assessment of the situation. Accusations of dictatorship and arrogance are unfounded and politically motivated,” said the governor’s senior advisor, Jonathan Iorapuwu.
The crisis quickly spread to the Benue State House of Assembly, culminating in the dramatic resignation of the Speaker. Adonna Dajo.
Mr. Dajo resigned in a handwritten letter on August 24, 2025, citing the need for peace and the interests of the nation as a whole.
In his resignation statement, he said:
“As the atmosphere in Congress has become increasingly tense, I have decided to step down in the interest of peace and stability.”
Legislative officials have linked the leadership shakeup to growing internal conflicts over political loyalties and alignment with rival factions.
Multiple behind-the-scenes efforts by APC elders and national party leaders to reconcile Mr. Akume and Mr. Aria have so far failed to produce a lasting solution.
Meanwhile, Governor Aliah is believed to be strengthening ties with influential figures at the federal level, including within the Presidency in a strategic move widely seen as an attempt to counter Mr Akume’s long-standing control of the APC organization in the state.
Observers are now predicting a high-stakes political showdown between Mr. Acme’s established political network and the incumbent governor, who seeks to consolidate his power through new alliances and federal support.
But analysts warn that Mr. Arya’s re-election prospects may ultimately depend on his handling of the security crisis, his relationship with parliament and the public’s perception of the ruling party’s unity.
As the 2027 election approaches, the state’s political future remains in a delicate balance.
Will Senator Akume reassert control over the APC and shape the party’s governorship race?
Can Governor Arya neutralize internal opposition through the power of incumbency and strategic alliances?
Or will growing rifts within the ruling party trigger a broader political realignment in Benue?
What is becoming increasingly clear is that Benue is entering its most intense political season in recent history, defined by broken alliances, shifting loyalties and fierce competition for political advantage.
