Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has dismissed a circulating report alleging that he plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a supposed secret meeting with former PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, in Makurdi.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor condemned the claims as “fabricated, malicious and laughable,” insisting the publication was a calculated attempt to distract his administration and mislead the Presidency.
“This narrative is laughable. It is nothing but a wicked, mischievous and vicious smear campaign orchestrated to distract the Governor from his focused governance and deceive the Presidency for selfish political gains,” the statement read.
Kula explained that Governor Alia’s visits to political leaders and elder statesmen since taking office were routine and aligned with his inclusive leadership style. According to him, the Governor’s door remains open to all, regardless of political or religious affiliation.
“A leader with a liberal vision for development must embrace everyone. Governor Alia reserves the right to visit any elder statesman, especially leaders of Senator Ayu’s stature. Such visits are normal, respectable and consistent with his inclusive approach,” he said.
The statement further clarified that the Governor has been actively strengthening the APC across the state rather than contemplating defection. Kula noted that prominent political figures—including 3rd Republic Senator Prof. David Iornem, Elder David Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor—have recently joined the APC through the Governor’s outreach efforts.
He added that APC structures across Benue have grown significantly, with opposition blocs collapsing into the ruling party and defection ceremonies happening in nearly all local government areas.
“This is the true political reality in Benue, not the fiction being spread by mischief makers,” he said.
According to the CPS, Governor Alia is focused on building a united and formidable APC ahead of the 2027 elections and is prepared to engage even his strongest opponents to consolidate support for both his administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Kula urged the public to ignore the rumour, describing it as a deliberate ploy to sow confusion and undermine the rising influence of the APC under Governor Alia’s leadership.
“The public is advised to disregard the concocted story. It is a deliberate distraction,” he added.
