The Benue State Government has refuted a report alleging that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia plans to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a purported “secret meeting” with Senator Iyorchia Ayu. The government described the claim as a baseless fabrication, dismissing it as a “wicked, mischievous, and vicious smear campaign” aimed at diverting the governor’s attention from governance and misleading the presidency for political gains.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia regularly visits elder statesmen and national figures without political or religious bias, as part of his inclusive approach to leadership. The government clarified that such engagements, including visits to respected leaders like Senator Ayu, are normal and aligned with the governor’s development-focused agenda.
The statement highlighted that Governor Alia has consistently reached out to influential stakeholders in Benue, many of whom have since joined the APC. Notable figures include former Senator Prof. David Iornem, Elder David Iorwashima Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor. The APC in Benue has continued to attract opposition figures across various local government areas, with defection events reportedly taking place on a regular basis. These developments have strengthened the party, according to the statement.
The government emphasized that the true political situation in the state is the steady expansion of the APC under Governor Alia, contrary to the “fiction being circulated by mischief makers.” Governor Alia remains committed to strengthening the party ahead of 2027 and is open to engaging even his strongest opponents as part of a broader consolidation plan for his administration and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The public has been urged to ignore the “concocted story,” which officials described as an attempt to create confusion and undermine the administration’s progress. The Benue State Government’s response aims to set the record straight and reassure the public of Governor Alia’s commitment to the APC and his development-focused agenda. As the political landscape in Benue continues to evolve, the government’s stance is clear: it will not be swayed by baseless rumors and will remain focused on delivering progress to the people of the state.