Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has dismissed claims that he is planning to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following reports of a supposed secret meeting with former PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

The Benue State Government described the viral story as a calculated smear campaign, insisting the claims were fabricated to stir political tension and distract the governor from his core duties.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, said the rumour was deliberately designed to mislead the presidency and create confusion within the state’s political landscape.

Kula explained that Governor Alia frequently meets elder statesmen and national leaders regardless of their political or religious backgrounds, noting that such engagements reflect his inclusive leadership philosophy and development-driven agenda.

He added that the governor has consistently reached out to key stakeholders across Benue, many of whom have since aligned with the APC. Among them are former Senator Prof. David Iornem, Elder David Iorwashima Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor.

According to the statement, the APC in Benue continues to grow as opposition figures from several local government areas defect to the party—an indication, the government said, of Governor Alia’s strengthening political influence rather than any internal cracks.

The government insisted that the governor’s focus remains on consolidating the APC’s dominance ahead of the 2027 elections. It noted that Alia is willing to engage even his fiercest critics as part of a broader plan to stabilise his administration and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national agenda.

Citizens were urged to disregard what officials called a “concocted narrative” meant to derail progress and provoke unnecessary political speculation.