Benue Government Debunks Claim Alia Plans to Dump APC, Says Report Aims to Distract Governor

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The Benue State Government has firmly dismissed claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia is plotting to quit the All Progressives Congress (APC) after reports alleged he held a “secret meeting” with former PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, denounced the report as false, mischievous, and crafted to distract the governor from his responsibilities.

Kula stressed that Governor Alia routinely engages elder statesmen and national leaders across political and religious lines—an approach he said reflects the governor’s inclusive leadership style. He explained that Governor Alia often meets respected personalities, including Senator Ayu, as part of efforts to drive development in the state.

The statement further revealed that Governor Alia has been in active talks with major political stakeholders in Benue, many of whom have already defected to the APC. Those who recently joined the ruling party include former Senator Prof. David Iornem, Elder David Iorwashima Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor.

According to the government, the APC in Benue continues to gain strength as more opposition members cross over from various local government areas.

The government described the allegation that the governor intends to leave the APC as a fabricated narrative aimed at fueling confusion and undermining the administration.