Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday firmly denied reports of his alleged defection to another political party, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor’s clarification came in response to a social media report claiming he had secretly met former Senate President and ex-Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, to discuss a purported defection. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Terso, Alia described the claim as “laughable, wicked, mischievous, and a vicious smear campaign” aimed at distracting him from governance and misleading the presidency for political gains.
Alia’s office stressed that his engagements with leaders and elder statesmen in the state, including Ayu, were purely in the spirit of inclusivity and held no political or religious undertone. The governor has also interacted with other prominent elders, such as Senator David Iornem, Elder David Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor, to consolidate APC’s presence in Benue State.
The statement highlighted that opposition structures across the state are increasingly joining the APC, with defection ceremonies reported in numerous local government areas. Alia emphasized his commitment to building a united, dominant APC and his readiness to engage even the fiercest political opponents as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.
He urged the public to disregard the social media report, warning that such misinformation could confuse citizens and undermine the party’s growing strength in Benue State.
