Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has debunked rumours suggesting that he plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), labelling the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, declaring himself the undisputed leader of the party in Benue State and dismissing any suggestion of leaving for another platform.
Reacting to reports circulating across media platforms and social networks, the statement accused unnamed political figures based in Abuja of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at destabilizing his administration and tarnishing his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The persistently discontented politicians in Abuja, prompted by their own self-serving agendas, are once again enlisting in their customary ploys, making persuasive attempts to sow discord between Governor Alia and President Tinubu,” the statement read.
According to the governor’s team, the rumors gained traction after an old photo was circulated to suggest a secret meeting between Governor Alia and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, in Makurdi — a claim the statement described as a fabrication lacking any credible backing.
“They forgot that official security reports follow such visits,” the statement added.
The governor stated that his administration has reinvigorated the APC in Benue State and that his performance in office has strengthened the party, making opposition parties “seek refuge.”
“Governor Alia is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State and has successfully resurrected the party, which was on the threshold of recession prior to the 2019 elections,” the statement said.
“His laudable performance in office has not only enhanced the APC, but has further forced opposition parties into refuge.”
Governor Alia also reaffirmed his alignment with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“Governor Alia remains unyielding and indomitable by these unfounded falsehoods. Attempts to undermine his leadership are not only entirely worthless but also manifest a lack of integrity on the part of those perpetuating such lies,” the statement concluded.
The governor called on the people of Benue State to remain vigilant and disregard any unverified information aimed at creating disunity.
