By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) League, a group within the ruling party, has called for the immediate expulsion of Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State over alleged betrayal of party principles.
According to the group, Governor Alia’s actions have undermined the party’s unity and cohesion, warranting disciplinary action.
The APC League cited Governor Alia’s absence from the recent APC National Summit at the State House, where President Bola Tinubu was endorsed for the 2027 presidential election, as evidence of his disconnection from the party’s national leadership.
According to a statement signed by its national president, Hon. John Ogiri, the group also accused the governor of sidelining the APC structure in Benue, marginalizing the State Executive Committee, and refusing to convene meetings.
Ogiri further alleged that Governor Alia has been secretly collaborating with Senator Gabriel Suswam and other actors opposed to APC interests in Benue, deepening divisions within the party.
“Over the last year, we have noted the Governor’s systemic avoidance of party organs, his alienation of critical stakeholders, and his disturbing silence on persistent and credible imputations concerning his planned defection to then, Social Democratic Party (SDP) but now, African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Ogiri added.
“More disturbing is the growing evidence of Governor Alia’s covert alignment with Senator Gabriel Suswam, Elfufai and other actors opposed to APC interests in Benue and Nigeria at large.
“These underhand collaborations and his refusal to engage the NWC’s reconciliation efforts have further deepened division within the party in the state. His allies are visibly embedded in the operations of the ADC, while the APC structure in Benue is being deliberately crippled.
“Rather than confront these issues with transparency, the Governor and his surrogates have opted for diversion, discrediting sources, attacking messengers, and ignoring the party’s demand for clarity.
“This continued ambiguity is corrosive to the spirit of unity within the APC and sends dangerous signals to loyal party supporters across the state and country.
“The Governor’s conspicuous absence and lack of participation at the recent APC National Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the State House—an event that saw 21 of his APC governor-seated and subsequently, boldly endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR—revealed the depth of his disconnection from the party’s national leadership.
“Despite the feeble attempt by his Chief Press Secretary to explain it away, no single image or evidence was presented to prove he participated at the summit at the State House.
“His belated appearance—just ten minutes before the end of the event—was clearly a face-saving afterthought prompted by urgent calls from his appointees who realized the political danger his absence posed since delegates from Benue became very unsettled and were asking questions.
“In politics, appearances speak volumes. Governor Alia chose absence over allegiance, distance over dedication. Beyond the symbolic, the Governor has sidelined the APC structure in Benue State—marginalizing the State Executive Committee, refusing to convene meetings, and excluding elected representatives.
“This systematic dismantling of the party’s internal architecture endangers our cohesion and long-term viability in the state. Let it be noted that the NWC of the APC has initiated multiple reconciliation mechanisms in Benue State, which Governor Alia has flatly ignored. His refusal to submit to party discipline and unity efforts is glaring and must no longer be tolerated.
“Also, let it be remembered that Governor Alia rode to power on the back of the APC structure and sacrifices of loyal party members. That same structure is now being treated with contempt. Our party is greater than any individual, and its integrity must be defended at all costs.
“Furthermore, Governor Alia’s constant threat of leaving the party—while his political spirit has long departed—is a dangerous liability to the APC. The continued indulgence and condoning of this behavior by the NWC poses a serious danger to the unity and credibility of our party”.
The APC League urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to take swift action, including expulsion, against Governor Alia for gross misconduct and anti-party activities.
Additionally, the group called on the NWC to enforce a recent High Court judgment affirming Austin Agada as the legitimate Chairman of the APC in Benue State, citing his crucial role in the party’s past electoral successes.
The APC League emphasized that the party’s integrity must be defended at all costs and that Governor Alia’s continued indulgence in anti-party behavior can no longer be tolerated.
“Let history reflect that it was under the leadership of Austin Agada that the APC rose from the ashes in Benue—delivering sweeping victories across the Presidential, Gubernatorial, 2 Senatorial seats, 10 House of Representatives seats, and 22 State Assembly constituencies.
“His political strength, institutional loyalty, and ability to command party followership are vital for the APC’s recovery and future in Benue. In view of these facts, and in line with the disciplinary provisions of the APC Constitution, we call on the NWC to initiate disciplinary actions, including the expulsion of Governor Hyacinth Alia.“
