Benue: Gov Alia denies plans to dump APC for SDP

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has dispelled rumors of his planned defection to the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

He is vehement that he will not leave the All Progressives Congress, APC, for anyone, as he remains the leader of the party in the state.

Gov. Alia disclosed this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.

He accused unnamed Abuja politicians of being behind the smear campaign against him.

Part of the statement read: “Regarding the recent dubious claims spreading in diverse media and social networks, we feel it is essential to ward off these deceptions that aim to hurt the prominence of Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State.

“The persistently discontented politicians in Abuja, prompted by their own self-serving agendas, are once again enlisting in their customary ploys, making persuasive attempts to sow discord between Governor Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“These actions not only wholly miss the mark, but they also portray a significant lack of awareness regarding the substantial bond between the Governor and the President.

“The latest round of misinformation indicates that Gov. Alia is contemplating a shift to the Social Democratic Party, SDP, alongside Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and others. This claim is absolutely gratuitous and lacks any trustworthy evidence.

“In an attempt to supply credence to their soaring fictions, these detractors have resorted to recycling an innocuous picture from an old visit, which has been manipulated to complete their account.

“This is after they, through their infamous hirelings, viciously speculated that the former Governor of Kaduna State visited Gov. Alia in Makurdi. They forgot that official security reports follow such visits.

“Governor Alia is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State and has successfully resurrected the party, which was on the threshold of recession prior to the 2019 elections. His laudable performance in office has not only enhanced the APC, but has further forced opposition parties into refuge.

“It is an established fact that a wise individual builds a strong foundation and does not solicit shelter under another’s roof.

“Since taking office, Governor Alia has striven faithfully to reconnect Benue State with the federal government, culminating in an overabundance of benefits comprising plum appointments for our people.

“His commitment to the ‘Renewed Hope' mantra championed by President Tinubu is conspicuous in the transformational advancement initiatives being implemented across the state.

“We wish to encourage the people of Benue that Governor Alia remains unyielding and indomitable by these unfounded falsehoods. Attempts to undermine his leadership are not only entirely worthless but also manifest a lack of integrity on the part of those perpetuating such lies.

“We urge the Benue public to remain observant and to overlook any information that lacks substantiation. Governor Alia is committed to serving the communities of Benue with transparency, allegiance, and unswerving resolve.”