The Benue State High Court in Makurdi has issued a restraining order preventing the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership from dissolving the state executive committee led by Austin Agada. The court’s ruling comes amidst rising political tensions between Agada and the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia.

Governor Alia is reportedly behind the formation of a rival faction within the APC, attempting to challenge Agada’s leadership by appointing Benjamin Omakolo, the State Welfare Officer, as Acting Chairman. In response, Agada sought legal protection, urging the court to prevent the APC from ending his tenure before the completion of his four-year term.

Justice Theresa Igoche, ruling on the matter, granted Agada’s request. She restrained the APC’s national leadership, along with its agents and representatives, from removing or replacing Agada and the members of the Benue State Working Committee until the end of their four-year tenure or until the substantive motion is resolved.

The APC in Benue has faced internal divisions, particularly after the controversial appointment of Hon. Aondouna Dajoh as Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly over Hon. Becky Orpin, both of whom are APC members. This internal crisis has further deepened rifts within the party in the state.