‘Baseless Lie’ – Benue Govt Denies Defection Plot by Governor Alia

Troops of online rumour mills were put to rest on Wednesday after the Benue State Government issued a strong, categorical rebuttal to a viral report claiming that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia planned to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a so-called secret meeting with Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

The explosive claim, the government said, was “a baseless fabrication,” rejecting the narrative that any clandestine political pact took place.

In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, the Benue State Government slammed the circulating report describing it as a “wicked, mischievous, and vicious smear campaign” deliberately “crafted to divert the governor’s attention from governance and mislead the presidency for political gains.”

The government clarified that Governor Alia regularly visits elder statesmen and national figures without regard to political or religious leaning, stating that such engagements are in line with his inclusive leadership model, and should not be misconstrued as political manoeuvring.

According to the statement, visits to respected leaders, “including those of Senator Ayu’s standing, are normal and aligned with his development-focused agenda.”

The statement underscored that the real political headline in Benue is the continuous growth and expansion of the All Progressives Congress under Governor Alia, noting that influential stakeholders and elder figures frequently align with his vision, many having already joined the party.

“Such engagements have strengthened the party rather than weakened it,” the government insisted.

The statement listed key stakeholders who have been instrumental in consolidating the APC in the state. Mentioned among them are former Benue leaders and opposition figures including influential state stakeholders now aligned with APC:

• Former Senator Prof. David Iorchia
• Elder David Iorwashima
• Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor

Governor Alia, the government further said, has consistently reached out to influential stakeholders who have since joined the APC, including former Senator Prof. David Iornem, Elder David Iorwashima Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor, in addition to terhemen who was former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, cited earlier among the facilitators of past reconciliations.

The Benue State Government noted that defection activities now favouring APC take place regularly across local government areas — particularly Mangu Ward and surrounding forest community structures — further discrediting suggestions that opposition visits translate into exit talks.

“The fact of the matter is the North-Central chairman cannot stop growth in Benue. What we see is APC expansion, not exit plans,” the statement stressed.

The government stated that Governor Alia remains committed to strengthening APC ahead of 2027 and is willing to engage even his strongest political opponents to ensure lasting peace and political stability.

“The national chairman has no right to stop reconstitution. We are not folding our hands,” it said.

Benue residents and party supporters, it added, should remain loyal to the government’s core mandate and continue their lawful political activities without fear.

Security Environment Still Worsened by Bandit-Kidnap Activities

The statement also linked the nation’s worsening security situation — including attacks across Kebbi and Kwara axes — with collateral fears of bandit kidnappings on community-level diplomacy, warning that press statement optics must not overshadow pressing security lacuna in Nigeria.
The report concluded by stating that all pending motions will now be heard on February 3, 2026, and any affected stakeholders or moderating officers must remain available for briefing and review parade.

Benue residents were urged to cooperate with investigators and policing outfits so that future occurrences are prevented.