A’Court sacks Alia loyalist, confirms Agada as Benue APC chairman

The Makurdi Court of Appeal, Benue State, on Tuesday dismissed the caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress in the state, led by Chief Benjamin Omale, affirming the legitimacy of the executive committee led by Comrade Austin Agada.

The court of appeal, in appeal no. CA/MKD/119/2024, also upheld the Makurdi High Court’s earlier ruling nullifying the dissolution of the Agada-led state executive by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), describing the move as illegal.

By delivering the principal judgment, the Chief Justice resolved all issues raised in the appeal against the appellant, effectively restoring the Agada-led leadership as a viable party executive in Benue State.

The court also upheld the consequential order of the trial court declaring that all actions and decisions taken by the custodial committee led by Benjamin Omale were “null and void and of no effect”.

The controversy arises from a prolonged leadership crisis within the Benue APC, following the appointment of an Omale-led interim committee following the suspension of the Agada-led executive by the party’s national leadership.

Omale, a known ally of Governor Hyacinth Alia, was the 10th respondent in the appeal but did not initiate independent trials before the court of appeal.

The previous ruling by the Makurdi High Court had annulled the dissolution of the Agada executive and set aside the interim agreement established by the party leadership.

Reacting to the ruling, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, quoted Agada as commending the judiciary for what he described as a fair and courageous interpretation of the law, urging party members to remain calm and united.

The ruling is expected to further reshape the leadership structure of the Benue APC, which has remained mired in factional disputes ahead of future political engagements.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE