Nigeria, March 4 -- The rift within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) widened on Tuesday as two rival factions aligned with Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, organised separate state congresses and produced parallel executive committees.

Governor Alia's camp held its congress at the IBB Square in Makurdi, where Benjamin Omale was returned as state chairperson. The Akume faction gathered at a separate venue in Makurdi and affirmed the Austin Agada-led State Executive Committee for another four-year term.

In a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, Governor Alia commended party me...