A bloc of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from Benue South (Zone C) has issued a stern warning to Governor ( Rev. Fr.) Hyacinth Iormem Alia, alleging that the state party chairman and the Och’Doma of Idoma are jeopardising the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections unless their alleged political interference is curtailed.
In a statement circulated to journalists, the coalition accused the State APC Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, and His Royal Highness John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji (the Och’Doma) of “unacceptable interference” in the appointment of party and government officials across Zone C—an action they say has thrown APC structures into turmoil in several local government areas.
The communiqué, endorsed by Dr. Mathew Achigili (Chairman), Hon. Simon Adanu (Secretary) and Hon. Mrs. Grace Inalegwu (Woman Leader), claimed that alleged attempts to impose party executives from ward to state level ahead of the APC congress are most visible in Apa-Agatu, where the group insists the move is designed to favour a recent decampee, Hon. Ojotu Ojema.
“It is the exclusive right of the Governor to appoint point men in any local government; however, in the case of Apa-Agatu, we strongly believe the Governor was misinformed by the state party chairman who is the errand boy of the Och’Doma about the reality on the ground,” the statement read.
“As it stands today the APC in Apa-Agatu, Ohimini, Otukpo and Ogbadibo are in complete disarray. If nothing is done urgently the party may fall into complete anarchy.”
While vowing not to defect, the coalition declared that it will “work against” any governor or candidate who fails to restrain the individuals it accuses of undermining internal democracy. “We vow not to leave the party but remain to sabotage the party from inside,” it warned.
The stakeholders outlined six demands, urging the Governor and the party leadership to ensure Dr. Omale and the Och’Doma consult widely with stakeholders and local government party officials before making decisions affecting the zone; stop alleged intimidation of local government chairmen; and compel the Och’Doma to maintain political neutrality “like his counterpart the Tor Tiv.”
Other demands include preventing imposition of local government and ward executives during the upcoming congress—particularly in Apa-Agatu, Ohimini, Ogbadibo and Otukpo—and upholding existing zoning formulas, including Apa’s turn to produce the next federal lawmaker for the Apa-Agatu constituency and Ohimini’s turn in the Otukpo/Ohimini seat.
The coalition also urged Governor Alia to “as a matter of urgency” call the chairman and the Och’Doma to order, accusing the state party chairman of effectively ceding APC structures in Zone C to the monarch—an issue they say is driving some residents toward the Action Democratic Congress (ADC).
Efforts to obtain comments from the Governor’s Office and the State APC Secretariat were unsuccessful as of press time.
Benue South, which comprises nine local government areas, has long been a hotspot of political rivalry, with traditional rulers, party powerbrokers and community leaders frequently shaping candidate selection and grassroots mobilisation. The coalition’s threat to disrupt APC operations internally could complicate preparations for 2027 and open further opportunities for rival parties.
Analysts say the development underscores escalating friction between political leaders, party structures and traditional institutions over control of nominations and party machinery—tensions that, if unresolved, may fuel deeper factional divides ahead of the next election cycle.
The group appealed to APC leadership across the state to intervene and restore what it called “order, fairness and stakeholder consultation” in the zone.
Meanwhile, the Palace of the Och’Doma of Idoma Land has denied claims that the monarch is meddling in political affairs, dismissing them as “clandestine behaviour” aimed at damaging his reputation.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Palace Secretary Mr. Adegbe Uloko said the Och’Doma has no involvement in partisan politics and has never attempted to influence political developments in any local government area.
Reacting to the circulating allegations, Uloko said he had yet to see the report in question but insisted that the claims were unfounded. He attributed the rumours to those exploiting the fact that a member of the House of Representatives from Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency is a close relative of the monarch’s wife.
“The House of Reps member is the younger brother of Ochi’Doma’s wife, same father, same mother. He built his political career on his own. He was once a commissioner before going to the House of Reps. His political decisions are entirely his,” he said.
Uloko added that the lawmaker’s recent move to the APC was strictly a personal choice, unrelated to the Och’Doma.
“The Och’Doma is a pastor. If you get close to him, you will know he avoids politics. His antecedents are clean. You can’t find anything corrupt around him,” he said.
He noted that the monarch, a PhD holder, is “a very upright man” who does not chase public attention or issue unnecessary statements.
“Anybody can say anything, but he knows where he stands. Those spreading these stories simply want to tarnish his image. He is not even 60 years old; he is a principled, straightforward person. With time, people will come to understand him better,” Uloko added.
Reiterating that the Och’Doma has “nothing to do with politics,” the secretary said the palace remains dedicated to its traditional responsibilities and will not be distracted by politically motivated rumours.
