Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, have ended their long-standing political differences.
The two leaders, who had fallen out shortly after the 2023 elections, have now reconciled, easing months of tension within the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their rift was reportedly due to a power struggle over control of the party’s structure in the state, which led to divisions among APC members.
However, the reconciliation process gained momentum after President Bola Tinubu visited the state in the wake of the Yelwata massacre, where over 200 people were killed. Both Akume and Alia were present during the President’s visit and met with traditional rulers, who urged political unity to help address the security crisis in the state.
On Wednesday, Governor Alia confirmed he visited Akume at his Maitama residence in Abuja. In a post on his official Facebook page, he described the meeting as warm and meaningful.
“Today, I paid a surprise visit to Senator George Akume at his Maitama residence. It was a warm and insightful interaction marked by mutual respect, unity, and deep reflection on both state and national issues,” the governor wrote.
The move signals a possible return to political stability in Benue as both leaders pledged to work together for the development of the state and the nation.
