The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Austin Agada as the rightful chairman of the party.
In a statement on Thursday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, dismissed claims made by Benjamin Omale questioning Agada’s legitimacy, labeling them as false and politically driven.
The APC strongly condemned Omale’s accusations that Agada was unlawfully presenting himself as chairman and attended a recent national party meeting in Abuja without an invitation.
Ihomun refuted these allegations, asserting that Agada remains the duly elected and recognized APC chairman in Benue State.
“For clarity, Austine Agada was elected through a properly conducted congress and remains in office. There has been no valid or legal process for his removal, as reaffirmed by a landmark judgment of the Benue State High Court,” Ihomun stated.
He further emphasized that Agada’s participation in the APC National Meeting was legitimate, in line with his role as state chairman.
“The claim that he was not invited is not only false but a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine his leadership,” he added.
Ihomun also dismissed Omale’s credibility, stating that he holds no official position within the party and is not even recognized as a registered APC member in Onyagede-Ihaje Ward of Ohimini Local Government.
“The so-called ‘Office of Unity Committee Chairman’ does not exist in the party’s constitution,” he clarified.
He urged party members and the public to disregard what he described as a smear campaign against Agada, warning that legal action may be taken against those spreading false information.
“The APC in Benue State remains united and focused on delivering good governance to the people,” he assured.
Similarly, party members have expressed their support for Agada, praising his leadership and commitment to strengthening the party while advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
A senior party stakeholder, speaking anonymously, cautioned against distractions aimed at disrupting the party’s progress in the state.
“Agada has shown resilience, competence, and leadership. Any attempt to discredit him will only make him stronger,” the source remarked.