The Benue state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected a petition filed by Mr. Oche Hyacinth against the party’s State Chairman, Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale, describing the allegations contained in the petition as false, malicious, misleading, and politically motivated.
In a press statement issued on Friday by the State Publicity Secretary, Benedict Yawe, the party said it had carefully reviewed the petition, which accused Omale of abuse of office, financial impropriety, constitutional violations, and anti-party activities.
According to the APC, a thorough examination of the claims revealed that the allegations were aimed at creating division, disaffection, and instability within the party.
The party expressed concern that Hyacinth allegedly failed to submit any formal complaint to the State Working Committee before taking his grievances to the public domain. It noted that the action bypassed the internal dispute resolution mechanisms provided under Article 21 of the APC Constitution, which outlines procedures for discipline, fair hearing, and the handling of grievances.
The Benue APC reaffirmed that Omale’s leadership remains lawful and fully recognized by the party at all levels. It stated that the State Executive Committee is a constitutionally established organ empowered under Article 13 of the APC Constitution to coordinate and administer party affairs at the state level.
The statement further noted that Omale emerged through duly recognized party congresses and has continued to discharge his responsibilities within the provisions of the party’s constitution while promoting stability and cohesion across Benue State’s 23 local government areas.
Responding to allegations of manipulation of party structures, the APC maintained that major decisions within the state chapter are products of collective deliberations and constitutional processes, stressing that no individual officer acts outside established party procedures.
On concerns raised about party primaries, the APC explained that Article 20 of the party constitution vests responsibility for regulating and supervising primaries in the National Working Committee through duly constituted committees. It added that the primaries referenced in the petition were conducted by committees from the party’s National Secretariat in accordance with approved guidelines and electoral laws.
Addressing allegations of financial misconduct, the party said its financial operations are governed by Article 22 of the APC Constitution and are subject to accountability and audit provisions under Article 24. It stated that no credible evidence had been presented to support claims of financial impropriety.
The party also dismissed suggestions that Omale had acted against the interests of the APC or undermined the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia. Instead, it said the chairman had consistently worked with the governor, party stakeholders, and the national leadership to strengthen party unity, consolidate structures, and support governance in the state.
The APC called on its members, supporters, and stakeholders to disregard the petition and remain focused on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It reiterated its commitment to constitutional order, internal democracy, and electoral success, while urging aggrieved members to utilize the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to public actions capable of bringing the party into disrepute.