Gov. Alia’s Director General resigns, cites “personal reasons” amid APC rift in Benue

The Director General of Plenipotentiary and Liaison Affairs to the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Jimmy Ajim, has resigned his appointment, becoming the latest high-profile exit from the administration of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

In a resignation letter dated July 30, 2026 and addressed to Governor Alia, Dr. Ajim cited “personal reasons” for his decision. The resignation takes effect from August 10, 2026.

“Serving the Benue State Government under your leadership has been a profound privilege, and I remain grateful for the opportunity extended to me,” Dr. Ajim wrote.

He also thanked staff members and colleagues he worked with, adding that he is “willing to support a smooth handover of my responsibilities before my exit date.”

—Resignation Amid Political Crisis In Benue APC—

Although Dr. Ajim gave personal reasons, his exit is being linked to the deepening crisis within the Benue chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

For months, the Alia administration has witnessed a wave of resignations and redeployments, largely attributed to the political supremacy battle between Governor Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Sources within Government House, Makurdi, told this medium that Dr. Ajim is believed to be aligned with the Akume camp of the APC in the state.

His departure is therefore seen as another casualty of the factional feud that has pitched the governor against the SGF’s loyalists.

“This is not really about personal reasons,” a senior government official who asked not to be named said. “It’s about where your loyalty lies in the Alia vs Akume divide. Dr. Ajim’s exit fits the pattern we’ve seen in the last few months.”

—Profile: From NNPC To Government House—

Before his appointment as DG Plenipotentiary and Liaison Affairs, Dr. Ajim had a long career at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

He served five successive Ministers of Petroleum as Chief of Protocol. He later rose to Senior Manager, Protocol and International Liaison, and also served as NNPC’s Liaison Officer to the National Assembly.

His role in the Alia government was to manage inter-governmental relations, federal liaison, and strategic engagements on behalf of the state.

—What this means for Alia’s Government—

Dr. Ajim’s resignation adds to the growing list of key officials who have exited the Alia administration since 2023. Political watchers say the continued exits could affect policy coordination and the governor’s relationship with federal institutions, given Dr. Ajim’s extensive Abuja network from his NNPC days.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the rift between Governor Alia and Senator Akume is expected to further shape appointments and defections in Benue politics.

As of press time, the Benue State Government had not issued an official statement on the resignation.