Gov. Alia Shuts Down Rumors: ‘El-Rufai Didn’t Come For Politics, And I’m Not Dumping APC

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has firmly denied speculations that he is planning to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Alia reiterated his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing that he remains the party’s leader in Benue State and has no intentions of leaving.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor accused certain Abuja-based politicians of orchestrating a smear campaign against him. Kula clarified that a circulating photo of Alia with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was from an old visit, and not indicative of any recent meeting or political alignment.

The statement read:
“Recent misleading reports circulating across various media platforms aim to undermine the reputation of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State. Disgruntled political elements in Abuja, driven by selfish interests, are once again attempting to drive a wedge between Governor Alia and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He added, “Claims suggesting that Governor Alia plans to defect to the SDP alongside El-Rufai are entirely baseless and unfounded. These rumors are being propped up using an outdated, harmless photograph manipulated to fit a false narrative.”

The statement further debunked reports that El-Rufai visited Makurdi recently, pointing out that such visits would have been documented in official security reports.

Governor Alia was praised for revitalizing the APC in Benue, a party once on the brink of collapse before his emergence. His administration’s alignment with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda has attracted federal appointments and development to the state.

Kula concluded by urging the public to disregard the unfounded allegations, stressing that Governor Alia remains steadfast, transparent, and fully committed to the service of Benue people.