Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday firmly dismissed claims that he plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress, describing the reports as false, mischievous and aimed at destabilising the ruling party in the state.
A social media report had alleged that the governor secretly met with former Senate President and ex–PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, to discuss a possible move to another political platform. But in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Terso, Alia said the allegation was nothing more than a politically-motivated smear campaign.
He labelled the rumour “laughable, wicked, mischievous and a vicious smear campaign” intended to distract him from governance and mislead the presidency for selfish political gains.
Meetings With Elders Not Political — Alia
The governor clarified that his recent engagements with prominent figures in the state, including Ayu, were part of broader consultations rooted in inclusivity and had no political or religious agenda.
Terso said Alia had also met with several elder statesmen among them Senator David Iornem, Elder David Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor as part of efforts to strengthen the APC’s foothold across Benue State.
APC Structures Expanding Across Benue
The statement emphasised that under Alia’s directive, opposition party structures in the state were increasingly collapsing into the APC.
“Opposition structures across Benue State are collapsing daily into the APC, with defection ceremonies taking place in virtually all local government areas, with influential figures abandoning their former platforms to join the ruling party in unprecedented numbers,” it read.
Alia, the statement added, remains committed to building a “united, dominant APC” in the state and is prepared to engage even his fiercest rivals as part of a broader 2027 consolidation strategy for his administration and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Public Urged to Ignore Defection Rumours
The governor urged citizens to disregard the viral report, warning that such misinformation could create unnecessary tension and undermine the ruling party’s growing strength in Benue State.
He reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the APC and assured residents that his focus remains on delivering good governance and fostering political stability across the state.
