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Tag: Benue Politics

  • 2027 Elections: Gov Alia Denies Plan to Defect to ADC After Visit to Ayu

    2027 Elections: Gov Alia Denies Plan to Defect to ADC After Visit to Ayu

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has denied allegations that he plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The rumours surfaced following his recent courtesy visit to former PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, at his Makurdi residence.In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, the report was described as “fabricated, malicious, and aimed at distracting the governor from his duties.” The statement clarified that Governor Alia’s visit to Dr. Ayu was purely a normal engagement consistent with his inclusive leadership approach.“Our attention has been drawn to a false report alleging that His Excellency is preparing to defect from the APC after a supposed secret meeting with Sen. Iyorchia Ayu,” the statement read. “Such visits are routine and should not be misinterpreted. Governor Alia maintains an open-door policy and reserves the right to consult elder statesmen across Benue State.”

    The statement further explained that Governor Alia has been actively reaching out to political leaders and respected figures in the state as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the APC. Some of these engagements, the CPS noted, have resulted in new influential figures joining the party, including 3rd Republic Senator Prof. David Iormem, Elder David Iorwashima Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor.Kula reaffirmed the governor’s unwavering commitment to building a united and dominant APC structure in Benue ahead of the 2027 elections. According to him, Governor Alia is prepared to engage more political stakeholders and attract additional supporters into the party as part of a broader consolidation strategy for both his administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He urged members of the public to disregard the rumour, describing it as a deliberate attempt to sow confusion and undermine the governor’s growing influence within the APC. “This concocted story is a distraction intended to mislead the presidency and derail the governor’s progress. The public is advised to ignore it entirely,” Kula added.Governor Alia, who has consistently emphasized collaboration and inclusion in his governance model, maintains that his focus remains on delivering development across Benue State. The statement reiterated that he has no intention of defecting and remains firmly committed to the APC’s vision and objectives.

  • Hon. Melvin Ejeh Debunks False Claims Linking Him to ADC, Reaffirms Loyalty to APC and Governor Alia

    Hon. Melvin Ejeh Debunks False Claims Linking Him to ADC, Reaffirms Loyalty to APC and Governor Alia

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Benue State, Hon. (Amb.) James Melvin Ejeh, has dismissed as false, malicious, and politically motivated recent social media reports alleging that he is working with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    In a statement issued on Friday, Ejeh — who also serves as the Deputy ALGON Chairman in Benue State — described the claims as the handiwork of “faceless political mercenaries and desperate propagandists” bent on tarnishing his reputation and undermining the strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agatu and Benue South.

    “My attention has been drawn to a malicious and politically motivated report alleging that I am working underground for the ADC,” Ejeh said. “This reckless publication represents a new low in the politics of blackmail, deceit, and character assassination.”

    He clarified that he has never held any meeting or communication with Dr. David Mark, Hon. John Ngbede, or any official of the ADC, stressing that the story of “secret visits” was a fabrication intended to mislead the public.

    Ejeh explained that during the period in question, he and all 23 local government chairmen in Benue State were attending a budget planning conference in Jos, Plateau State, an event documented with official records and photographs.

    “To suggest that I, the sitting chairman of an APC-controlled council under an APC-led government, would defect to an opposition party without structure or followership in Agatu is laughable and deeply insulting,” he said.

    Reaffirming his loyalty, Ejeh stated that he remains a dedicated member of the APC and a loyal supporter of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, praising the governor’s visionary leadership and commitment to grassroots development.

    “I remain a loyal disciple of Governor Alia and fully committed to his development agenda for Benue State,” he said. “My administration in Agatu aligns with his vision of inclusive governance, infrastructural transformation, and empowerment.”

    He further described the false reports as a failed attempt by political detractors to sow division within the ruling party, adding that no amount of blackmail or propaganda will distract him from delivering good governance to the people of Agatu.

    Ejeh emphasized his unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Transformative Development Agenda of Governor Alia, describing both leaders as visionary and result-driven.

    “Governor Alia’s leadership in Benue State is unprecedented—people-centered and performance-oriented,” he noted. “His record inspires confidence in the APC’s victory in 2027.”

    The Agatu council boss assured his constituents that the APC remains united and strong at all levels, adding that the party is positioned to deliver an *“overwhelming victory”* in the upcoming general elections.

    “Come 2027, by the grace of God, we will deliver Agatu Local Government solidly for Governor Alia, President Tinubu, and the APC from bottom to top,” he declared.

    Ejeh concluded by warning those behind the false reports to desist from spreading lies, stressing that the truth will always prevail.

    “Lies may trend for a moment, but truth will always stand. My loyalty to President Tinubu, Governor Alia, and our great party, the APC, is unwavering and cast in stone,” he affirmed.