Benue Assembly Crisis: Why Ex-Speaker Aondona Dajoh Stepped Down Amid APC Power Struggle

Benue Assembly Crisis: Why Ex-Speaker Aondona Dajoh Stepped Down Amid APC Power Struggle

The sudden resignation of immediate past Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has continued to spark controversy within the state’s political circle.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains deeply divided between two power blocs — Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume — both locked in a prolonged tussle over control of the party’s structure.

According to insiders, Dajoh became the latest casualty of the political rivalry. Until last Friday, he wielded considerable influence, suspending four lawmakers accused of plotting his impeachment.

Barely 48 hours after announcing the suspension of Alfred Berger, Chairman, House Committee on Information; Terna Shimawua, representing Kian State Constituency; Cyril Ekong of Obi State Constituency; and James Umoru of Apa State Constituency, Dajoh tendered his resignation.

He insisted the decision was voluntary, and the House leadership reaffirmed that his resignation was a personal choice, not influenced by Governor Alia.

In a handwritten letter, Dajoh explained that his action was taken in “good faith and in the best interest of the state.”

At an emergency plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Lami Ogenyi, lawmakers unanimously elected Makurdi North representative, Emberger, as the new Speaker after suspending House rules.

Party insiders say they were not surprised by Dajoh’s exit, recalling that the battle lines within the Benue APC were drawn as far back as 2023, shortly after the inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

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Governor Alia had backed Dajoh from Gboko East Constituency for Speaker, while Senator Akume and his loyalists supported Mrs. Becky Orpin. After a heated contest, Alia’s camp triumphed with Dajoh’s emergence as Speaker.

Since then, the party has been locked in unending infighting, with Alia’s loyalists identifying themselves as “the masses,” while Akume’s bloc refers to itself as “stakeholders.”

Dajoh’s resignation, analysts say, is a major turning point in the ongoing power struggle that has gripped the Benue APC for nearly two years.