Crisis has erupted in the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the emergence of two state chairmen from parallel congresses held in Makurdi.
Austin Agada was returned as state chairman by a faction aligned with George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
At the same time, a rival congress organised by a faction loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia produced Benjamin Omale as state chairman.
The Agada-led congress was attended by party stakeholders across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies were said to have observed the exercise.
In his acceptance speech, Agada thanked party members for renewing his mandate.
“In 2022, when you gave us the mandate to lead you, we assured you that the APC, which was then the opposition party, would be brought to power, which we did,” he said.
“Throughout, you did not betray us despite your suffering to build this party, and now that you have renewed our tenure, we will not disappoint you.”