Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has strongly dismissed circulating rumours suggesting his planned defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a malicious campaign designed to disrupt his administration.
Malicious Propaganda Exposed
In an official statement released on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula categorically denied the false reports claiming Governor Alia planned to defect following a supposed secret meeting with Senator Iyorchia Ayu. Kula described the narrative as completely fabricated and laughable.
The press secretary characterized the rumour as a wicked, mischievous, and vicious smear campaign orchestrated to distract the Governor from his focused governance and to deceive the Presidency for selfish political gains. He emphasized that there was no truth to the defection claims circulating in various media outlets.
Inclusive Leadership Style Explained
The statement clarified that Governor Alia's recent visits to elder statesmen, including leaders of Senator Ayu's calibre, were part of his inclusive leadership approach rather than indications of political realignment. Since assuming office, the Governor has maintained a practice of consulting with leaders and elder statesmen across political and religious divides.
Kula stressed that the Governor's liberal vision for development allows him to embrace all stakeholders in Benue State. Such consultations, he noted, were normal, respectable, and consistent with Alia's commitment to inclusive governance that benefits all citizens regardless of political affiliations.
APC Strengthening in Benue State
Contrary to the defection narrative, the administration revealed that Governor Alia has been actively working to strengthen the APC's presence in Benue State. The Governor has been reaching out to prominent elders across the state and successfully bringing them into the APC fold.
Notable political figures who have recently joined the APC under Governor Alia's outreach include 3rd Republic Senator Prof. David Iornem, Elder David Iorwashima Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor. These strategic engagements have significantly strengthened the party rather than indicating any weakening of allegiance.
Opposition Structures Collapsing
The statement further revealed a remarkable political development occurring across Benue State. Under Governor Alia's directives, opposition structures are collapsing daily into the APC, with defection ceremonies taking place in virtually all local government areas.
Influential political figures are abandoning their former platforms to join the ruling party in unprecedented numbers, creating a significant political realignment in the state. Kula described this as the true political reality in Benue, contrasting it with the fictional narratives being circulated by mischief makers.
Commitment to APC Consolidation
Governor Alia remains firmly committed to building a united and dominant APC in Benue State as part of broader political consolidation efforts leading to the 2027 elections. The administration is prepared to engage even the fiercest political opponents and bring them into the party fold.
This consolidation strategy serves dual purposes: strengthening both Governor Alia's administration and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's political base. The press secretary urged the public to completely disregard the concocted story, describing it as a deliberate distraction meant to sow confusion and undermine the growing strength of the APC under Governor Alia's leadership.
The administration's firm denial and detailed explanation aim to put the defection rumours to rest while highlighting the actual political developments occurring in Benue State, where the APC continues to gain strength under Governor Alia's stewardship.
