The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman for Ehaje Council Ward 1 in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Honourable Godwin Abah, has expressed concern over what he described as alleged tampering with the affirmed list of party executives in the area.
Speaking with journalists in Otukpa, Hon Abah recalled the challenges faced by the APC in Ogbadibo during the suspension of former state chairman Austin Agada. He said he was among those who helped stabilise the party after the suspension, which followed a petition by the APC senatorial candidate for Benue South, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, alleging anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections.
According to him, Governor Hyacinth Alia upheld the suspension until the National Working Committee dissolved the state executive and installed a caretaker committee. Despite pressure from loyalists of the former chairman, Abah said the ward and local government executives remained united and were later endorsed at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Honourable Linda Agada, under the supervision of the DSS, Police, Civil Defence and INEC officials.
Hon Abah, however, expressed surprise that shortly after the meeting, Hon Linda Agada allegedly returned to Makurdi and “began altering the same list that had been openly affirmed in the presence of security agencies and stakeholders.”
He accused her of “inserting names that were never discussed, removing duly endorsed officials, and even attempting to replace him as Ehaje Ward 1 Chairman on claims of disrespect and disloyalty.”
He added that she also insinuated that the Ogbadibo APC Chairman, Hon Edwin Apochi, would not remain in office.
According to Hon Abah, these actions reflect a troubling return to the manipulation and injustice the party had only recently overcome. He stressed that his loyalty, and that of his colleagues, has always been to the APC and to Governor Alia, not to individuals pursuing personal quarrels.
Hon Abah further insisted that Hon Linda Agada is not yet a registered member of the APC in Ogbadibo. He said she has never presented herself at her ward for proper registration as required by the party constitution, arguing that it is both morally and legally improper for her to determine who leads any ward or local government organ of the party.
He described her actions as motivated by personal vendetta rather than a genuine interest in party unity. He added that he has always treated her with respect, pointing out that he is old enough to be her father and has never acted in a manner that should provoke the allegations she now raises.
Hon Abah condemned the alteration of the affirmed stakeholders list as dishonest, divisive and harmful to the peace the APC has been working hard to restore under Governor Alia’s leadership. He warned that such conduct erodes trust and dampens the confidence of loyal members across Ogbadibo.
He urged Governor Alia to reassess Hon Linda Agada’s role as Head of Pointsmen in Ogbadibo so she can focus on her primary responsibilities as Special Adviser on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and Microfinance. He maintained that she does not possess the temperament or the unifying capacity needed to coordinate party affairs at the local level.
Hon Abah further advised that point men should not be deployed to their own local governments, arguing that such arrangements often encourage personal bias, power tussles and vendettas. Posting them outside their areas, he said, would promote fairness and reduce the possibility of conflict, as exemplified by the current situation.
In his concluding remarks, Hon Abah called for the immediate replacement of Hon Linda Agada as Head of Pointsmen in Ogbadibo, warning that her continued stay in the role will deepen division within the party. He reaffirmed the loyalty of the Ogbadibo APC to Governor Alia and restated the determination of all ward and local government executives to uphold unity, justice and the core values of the party.
When DAILY POST contacted Honourable Linda Agada for her response, she dismissed the allegations, describing the APC in Ogbadibo as one of the most united in the state.
“It is very clear that the entire APC leaders in Ogbadibo Local Government Area passed a vote of confidence on my leadership of the point men during the last stakeholders’ meeting, which also featured a walk for Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia by the good people of the Ogbadibo APC family,” she said.
She explained that the meeting was aimed at reconciling differences among party leaders and strengthening unity ahead of the 2027 elections to ensure victory for Governor Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“In Ogbadibo, the leaders of the party are intact and working closely with me, Chief Steven Lawani, Rt Hon Joseph Ojobo, the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment Hon Ugwu Odo, the Local Government Council Chairman Comrade Sunday Ajunwa, the Council Secretary Hon Eloyi Ogbe, Chief Johnson Inalegwu Agada and others too numerous to mention,” she added.
Hon Agada said Ogbadibo APC remains the most united family in Zone C, and that its stakeholders’ meeting has become a model for other local governments.
She further clarified that each ward will handle its internal reconciliation independently, noting that some executives’ tenures or zoning arrangements have expired, while others who passed away will be replaced in line with party structure.
“The present person who purportedly granted this interview was a zonal supervisory councillor between 2023 and 2025. Ordinarily, he ceased to be a ward chairman immediately he accepted that appointment,” she said.
Hon Agada emphasised her loyalty to Governor Alia and the APC, insisting that there is no crisis in Ogbadibo. She advised members to focus on the unity and progress of the party ahead of the 2027 elections instead of what she described as unnecessary distractions.
“I maintain that no one will be allowed to interfere with other wards apart from their immediate wards,” she concluded.
