By Our Correspondent

National News – A deepening political feud in Benue State is creating uncertainty for federal lawmakers seeking re-election in 2027.

The ongoing clash between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has divided the ruling APC and forced politicians to pick sides, threatening their chances of securing party tickets for the next general election.

Benue has 14 federal lawmakers, including three senators and 11 House of Representatives members, elected in 2023 under the APC and PDP banners.

While APC dominates with 10 House seats and two Senate positions, internal divisions have emerged, with many lawmakers aligning with either Alia or Akume.

Observers say these splits are already causing defections, such as Deputy House Spokesperson Philip Agbese moving from APC to the Labour Party after conflicts with the governor.

Sources indicate that only Solomon Wombo among the APC House members is fully backed by Governor Alia, while the remaining lawmakers align with Akume.

Even prominent figures like Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark, face uncertainty due to strategic power plays within the state, including disputes over representation between Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas.

Efforts to reconcile the factions have reportedly failed, despite interventions from Vice President Kashim Shettima, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Meetings convened to restore party unity have seen the governor refuse to participate, highlighting the entrenched rivalry.

This political struggle is rooted in Akume’s long-standing influence as a former governor and federal minister, contrasted with Alia’s recent emergence as governor and desire to consolidate party control.

The battle for nominations, appointments, and party leadership is intensifying, as control over party machinery in Nigeria often determines electoral outcomes at both state and federal levels.