Governor reaffirms loyalty to ruling party despite defection speculation
The Benue State Government has vehemently debunked circulating rumours that Governor Hyacinth Alia is planning to defect from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Governor’s office described the reports, which claimed he was secretly negotiating a move to another party, as “laughable, wicked, mischievous, and a vicious smear campaign” designed to distract his administration and sow confusion among the party faithful. The strong denial comes amid reported friction within the state chapter of the APC and ongoing efforts by the Governor to unify various political factions.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Terso, the government reaffirmed Governor Alia’s unwavering loyalty to the APC, the platform that brought him into office. The statement directly addressed social media claims alleging that the Governor had secretly visited former Senate President and ex-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, to discuss a purported defection, possibly to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Terso clarified that the Governor’s meetings with leaders and elder statesmen in the state, including opposition figures like Ayu, were purely in the spirit of inclusivity and reconciliation and had no political or religious undertone.
Meetings with elders and the push for party unity
The Governor’s spokesperson detailed that the engagements with prominent elders, such as Senator David Iornem, Elder David Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor, are part of a broader, deliberate strategy to consolidate and strengthen the APC in Benue State. This outreach, the statement argues, is evidence of his commitment to the party’s growth, not a signal of his exit.
The Benue State Government insisted that the Governor remains “firmly committed to building a united, dominant APC” and is prepared to engage with even the fiercest political opponents to bring them into the party’s fold. This strategy is aimed at consolidating the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections, not just for his administration’s continuity but also to solidify support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda at the national level.
The Governor is actively engaged in a drive that has seen opposition structures collapsing and influential figures defecting to the APC across virtually all local government areas. The government views this influx of new members as a testament to the success of Governor Alia’s performance-driven administration and the appeal of the APC’s progressive policies.
Sidelining claims and the leadership crisis narrative
The denial also took aim at narratives suggesting a leadership crisis or a strained relationship with the Presidency. Certain reports had linked the defection rumours to an alleged rift between Governor Alia and his political benefactor, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, which some stakeholders claim has left the Governor isolated within the party structure. These critics argue that Alia has been sidelining the APC structure in the state and refusing to adhere to peace agreements brokered by the national leadership.
However, the Governor’s camp maintains that the APC leadership in the state is in no crisis, asserting that the party, under the chairmanship of Hon. Benjamin Omale, enjoys a cordial and effective working relationship with the Governor.
The government referenced Governor Alia’s active participation in high-profile APC events, including endorsing President Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, as concrete proof of his loyalty and a direct contradiction to the false narrative of a strained relationship with the Presidency. The statement concluded by urging the public and party members to disregard the baseless rumour, which it condemned as a cheap tactic by mischief-makers aimed at creating doubt and destabilizing the state’s political landscape.
