Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has firmly denied rumors of defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Wednesday, the governor described the claims as baseless and aimed at creating discord between him and President Bola Tinubu.
“A Strong Bond with President Tinubu”
Governor Alia emphasized his unwavering commitment to the APC, the party that brought him to power. He stated, “These actions not only wholly miss the mark, but they also reveal a significant lack of awareness regarding my bond with the president.”
He dismissed the rumors linking him to a potential move to the SDP alongside former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, calling them “completely baseless and lacking any credible evidence.”
“Reviving the APC in Benue”
Alia, a Catholic priest-turned-politician, highlighted his efforts to revive the APC in Benue State, which he said was on the brink of decline before the 2019 elections. As the leader of the party in the state, he expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen the APC and dismissed any attempts to undermine his leadership.
“Attempts to undermine my leadership will fail miserably,” he asserted.
“The Source of the Rumors”
The governor attributed the defection rumors to individuals spreading falsehoods on social media. He warned that such actions were designed to sow discord and destabilize the party. Alia reiterated his focus on delivering good governance to the people of Benue State and maintaining a strong relationship with the APC leadership at both state and national levels.
“What’s Next for Governor Alia and the APC?”
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Governor Alia’s reaffirmation of loyalty to the APC is a significant move to consolidate his position within the party. His commitment to reviving the APC in Benue and his strong ties with President Tinubu suggest a strategic focus on strengthening the party’s base in the state.