2027: Akume’s allies reject Alia’s campaign council as Benue power struggle deepens

The Benue Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, a group associated with Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, rejected the roughly 500-member campaign council announced by APC state organising secretary James Ornguga. The group said its conveners, including Jack Tilley-Gyado and Simon Shango, and its candidates for the national and state assemblies were listed without authorisation. It also objected to Governor Hyacinth Alia chairing the council while Akume was listed only as a member, and accused Alia’s administration of sidelining established party structures since the 2023 elections. The alliance said it remains committed to mobilising support for Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election and for APC candidates recognised by Akume.