The Benue State Government has debunked reports claiming that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia plans to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a purported “secret meeting” with Senator Iyorchia Ayu, describing the story as entirely false.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the government called the report a “wicked, mischievous, and vicious smear campaign” intended to distract the governor from his duties and mislead the presidency for political gain.
The statement clarified that Governor Alia frequently meets with elder statesmen and national figures, stressing that such visits are routine and reflect his inclusive style of governance rather than any political maneuvering.
“Governor Alia considers visits to respected leaders, including those of Senator Ayu’s stature, as normal and aligned with his development-focused agenda,” the statement said.
It also noted that the governor has consistently engaged with influential stakeholders in Benue, many of whom have since joined the APC.
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Among those mentioned are former Senator Prof. David Iornem, Elder David Iorwashima Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor.
According to the government, the APC in Benue continues to attract members from opposition parties across the state, with defection events taking place regularly.
“Such engagements have strengthened the party rather than weakened it,” the statement emphasised.
The government insisted that the real political reality in the state is the steady growth and consolidation of the APC under Governor Alia, contrary to the “fiction being circulated by mischief makers.”
Governor Alia remains committed to building the party ahead of the 2027 elections and maintains a readiness to engage even his political opponents as part of broader efforts to consolidate his administration and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda.
The public was urged to disregard the “concocted story,” which officials said was intended to sow confusion and undermine the government’s achievements.