reports that Otache made the remarks during an interview on ARISE Television, where he said the internal crisis remains unresolved despite recent reconciliation attempts, warning that tensions are escalating ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s recent intervention only highlighted deeper divisions within the party, as conflicting accounts emerged from both camps after separate stakeholder meetings.

Otache argued that the lingering crisis is less about political rivalry and more about weak leadership and poor political management.

He said, “The political atmosphere in Benue State is hotter than the atmosphere in Iraq and Iran. There has never been peace in the Benue APC from 2023 till date.”

He added that while the SGF briefed stakeholders on one version of events, Governor Alia presented a contradictory account to the media.

Otache attributed the ongoing crisis to what he described as inexperience among key political actors in the state.

He criticised Governor Alia’s leadership style, claiming the governor had limited political background before assuming office, which he said has contributed to worsening divisions within the party.

“He has never contested even for a councillor. As a leader, your heart must be as large as the Atlantic Ocean to accommodate diverse views,” he stated.

The APC chieftain also accused the governor of disregarding party structures and ignoring court rulings concerning the party’s internal affairs in Benue State.

He further alleged that several reconciliation efforts initiated by party leaders, including interventions linked to the President, had either been ignored or failed to yield results.

“There was a valid court ruling nullifying his action. The President gave directives, but the governor reportedly set it aside,” he said.

Otache warned that failure to resolve the crisis before the 2027 elections could lead to serious consequences for the party.

He also lamented that governance in Benue State has been negatively affected by the ongoing political tension, describing the current administration’s performance as below expectations.

“Governance in Benue State is at the lowest ebb. The party is not together as we speak,” he said.

He concluded that urgent reconciliation is necessary to prevent further fragmentation within the APC in Benue State and avoid possible electoral setbacks in 2027.