Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has publicly dismissed fresh rumours claiming he is planning to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The speculation erupted after reports alleged that the governor held a secret meeting with former PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, in Makurdi.
The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the claim as “fabricated, malicious and laughable.”
He said the story was part of a coordinated attempt to distract the administration and create unnecessary tension within the ruling party.
According to the statement, those spreading the rumour were pushing “a wicked, mischievous and vicious smear campaign” aimed at misleading the public and creating suspicions around the Presidency.
Kula noted that Governor Alia’s style of leadership has always involved reaching out to elder statesmen, political leaders and religious figures across the state.
He explained that the governor has paid visits to several influential individuals, regardless of their party affiliation, because he believes leadership requires inclusion and respect for everyone.
He maintained that Governor Alia reserves the right to meet any respected elder, including Senator Ayu, without such visits being twisted for political reasons.
The governor’s spokesman further stressed that Alia has never contemplated defection and has instead been consolidating the APC since assuming office.
In recent months, several prominent political figures have joined the ruling party through the governor’s influence. Among them are Prof. David Iornem, Elder David Amo and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor.
According to the statement, the APC structure in Benue has been attracting new members across virtually all local government areas.
Many former opposition blocs have also reportedly collapsed into the ruling party, with defection ceremonies taking place in different communities.
Kula argued that this growing support base contradicts the narrative being circulated by political opponents.
He added that Governor Alia is focused on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections and is open to engaging even his fiercest political rivals if doing so will unify the state and advance development.
The statement called on the public to disregard the rumours entirely, describing them as deliberate attempts to cause confusion and disrupt the cohesion of the APC in Benue.
