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In the face of mounting rumors that he could leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has remained mute.

This follows rumors that the governor abruptly missed a significant APC function at the Presidential Villa, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was formally declared the party’s only contender for the 2027 presidential election.

The APC National Working Committee planned the high-profile ceremony to demonstrate party unity, but rumors of desertion were aroused by Governor Alia’s tardy arrival, which came well after the endorsement was done.

A party source who attended the event told this newspaper: “The endorsement was nearly over and everyone was asking, ‘Where is Governor Alia?’ We knew he was in Abuja, he even attended the North Central meeting earlier that day. Someone eventually called him, and he rushed down, but by then it was too late.”

It has now been disclosed by insiders that Governor Alia had made his participation contingent on getting two endorsements: one for Tinubu and one for his own reelection in 2027. Party leaders categorically denied this request.

In the aftermath, sources reported that Alia has begun secret conversations with ADC officials, allegedly brokered by former Governor Gabriel Suswam, a former governor of the state.

The governor’s inner circle is now divided as a result of the development, with aides making conflicting claims.

Some claim that Alia is still loyal to the APC, but others admit that “serious consultations” with the ADC are in progress.

These events take place against the backdrop of a sour rivalry between Governor Alia and his former political godfather, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Their relationship has soured since Alia took office in 2023, causing the Benue APC to split into competing groups.

Over 80% of the APC’s structure in the state is thought to be controlled by Senator Akume, while Governor Alia runs a parallel executive after failing to remove Austin Agada, the APC State Chairman and a close ally of Akume.

On November 28, 2024, a Federal High Court in Makurdi issued a decision upholding Akume’s control over the party apparatus and restoring Agada.

The governor’s silence has drawn particular criticism from Benue South party leaders, who charge him with engaging in risky political maneuvering that could have a significant negative impact on the APC in 2027.

“We in Benue South are not blind to what’s going on,” said an APC chieftain from the zone who asked not to be named.

“Governor Alia is playing hide and seek with the APC. His body is in the party, but his heart is clearly somewhere else. He should stop pretending and come clean with the people who voted for him.”

He added: “You cannot demand loyalty from the party while flirting with those determined to destroy it. If Alia is done with the APC, he should have the decency to say so.”

Governor Alia has not yet confirmed or refuted the circulating rumors of defection.

“The governor’s silence is loud,” said a political strategist in Makurdi.

“And in politics, silence at a time like this is often the clearest confirmation.”

Meanwhile, an adviser to the governor told our reporter that the allegation is inaccurate, as the governor was present throughout the meeting.

“There is nothing like that. The government will issue an official statement soon to put the lies making the rounds to rest,” stated a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, as he was not permitted to discuss publicly.

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