Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has strongly refuted recent rumors suggesting he is planning to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In a statement released on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia dismissed the speculation as “baseless” and the work of “mischief-makers” attempting to sow discord between him and President Bola Tinubu.
The governor emphasized that these false claims misrepresented his relationship with President Tinubu, calling out those spreading the rumors for a “deep misunderstanding” of his political stance. “I have never considered leaving the party that brought me into office,” Alia declared, categorically denying any intention of joining forces with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, or anyone else in a potential defection to the SDP.
Alia further criticized the claims, calling them “laughable” and entirely unfounded. He pointed to the use of old photographs by detractors to push their narrative, even falsely suggesting that El-Rufai had recently visited Makurdi. The governor clarified, “They forget that security reports accompany such visits. No such thing happened.”
Describing himself as the APC leader in Benue, Alia highlighted his role in revitalizing the party, which had been on the brink of collapse before the 2019 elections. “Our performance in office has not only strengthened the APC but also left the opposition hiding in shame,” he proudly stated.
Under his leadership, Alia claimed his administration has made significant strides in aligning Benue with the Federal Government’s goals, securing key political appointments for Benue indigenes, and driving development across the state. “Our commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda is evident in the progress we continue to make,” Alia added.
This strong denial underscores Alia’s firm dedication to his party and the national agenda, shutting down any doubts about his political loyalty.
