APC Leaders Demand Action Against Former Benue Chair Over Allegations

A group of All Progressives Congress leaders has written to the party’s National Working Committee. They want sanctions against the former Benue State Chairman, Austin Agada. This follows claims about his involvement in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory’s 2027 Strategic Alliance, known as the Rainbow Coalition, in Benue State.

In a petition dated October 2, 2026, and signed by the group’s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sa’idu Muhammad, they accused Agada of supporting candidates from other political parties. This includes PDP Senator Abba Moro in places where the APC has its own candidates.

The group also said Agada openly stated he would not campaign for the APC governorship candidate in Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. They also accused him of being part of the Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, which they described as the Rainbow Coalition in the state.

They called on the NWC to set up an investigation into the claims against Agada. They want him to come and defend himself. If he is found guilty, they want the matter sent to a disciplinary committee for the right sanctions.

The group asked that the findings and any sanctions be made public. They believe this will discourage other members from similar actions. According to them, Agada leads a faction of the APC in Benue loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. They claimed he publicly endorsed PDP Senator Abba Moro for the 2027 senatorial election.

They said Agada displayed banners with the names and images of APC presidential candidate, President Bola Tinubu, and Moro of the PDP. The petition noted, "On the 28th September 2026, Agada also granted an interview on TVC PoliticsTonight, in which he stated very clearly that he has no reason to campaign for the APC gubernatorial candidate in Benue and, as such, he would not campaign for the re-election of the APC candidate for Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, in the 2027 governorship election."

"Agada’s position is contrary to the position of the Governors elected on the platform of the APC, which was communicated through the Progressive Governors’ Forum and also endorsed by the 36 state chapters of the party and the FCT through the state chairmen of the party."

The APC group also accused Agada of being involved in the Rainbow Coalition. They said his actions go against the party's interests. They pointed out that the APC has over 12 million members and is ready for the 2027 general elections.

They stated, "We are further concerned about Agada’s reported activities within a group known as the Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, (the Rainbow Coalition in Benue), which is in bed with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party, the Labour Party, and the Nigerian Democratic Congress. This is particularly troubling where such activities oppose or undermine the APC’s officially recognized political structure and its candidates in Benue State."

They stressed that while supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential re-election aligns with the APC’s national interest, this support should not be used to campaign against other APC candidates. They said the main issue is whether Agada’s actions hurt the APC and its candidates in Benue State.

The group asked the National Working Committee to check Article 21 of the APC Constitution. They wanted to see if Agada’s actions are anti-party conduct that should be punished under the party’s rules. They said their petition is motivated by their commitment to party unity, discipline, and the APC’s interest ahead of the 2027 elections.

They concluded, "We therefore submit that, with the allegations against Austin Agada established by the clear evidence attached, the appropriate sanctions provided under the Constitution should be applied immediately. This will serve as a warning to others planning anti-party activities for the 2027 elections."

The group said this matter is serious because Agada is not just any member of the APC. As a former Chairman of the APC in Benue State, he knows the importance of party discipline and loyalty. His past leadership role makes his public opposition to the party’s candidates a serious issue for the national leadership.

The group mentioned that the APC in Benue cannot allow senior members to openly support candidates from other parties against the APC's interests. They noted that the national leadership has stressed the need for unity ahead of the elections. Concerns over divisions in the Benue chapter have raised questions about the party’s strength.

They urged the National Working Committee to act according to the party’s rules to stop indiscipline from becoming a norm. They said the NWC has the power to discipline members who misbehave. The group added that members across the country, especially in Benue State, have complained about Agada’s public support for candidates of other parties where the APC has its own nominees.

They said, "The APC is bigger than any individual, group or political interest. Its strength depends on discipline, loyalty, internal democracy, party supremacy, and respect for the decisions of its recognized organs."

They respectfully asked the National Working Committee to investigate their petition and, if the claims are proven, ensure the right disciplinary actions are taken. They believe this will reinforce that no member, no matter their past role, is above the APC Constitution.

Attempts by our correspondent to get Agada’s response were not successful as he did not answer calls.