A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its 2023 Benue South senatorial candidate, Daniel Onjeh, has dismissed growing criticisms against Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, insisting that voters in Benue State have already resolved to return him to office.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, Onjeh described the wave of attacks on the governor as “last-minute desperation” by political opponents who, he said, have realised that “the political tide is no longer in their favour.”
According to him, critics are orchestrating “coordinated propaganda” aimed at discrediting the administration through “falsehoods and sustained campaigns of calumny.
“Such efforts are designed to weaken public confidence, but they will fail because the people can see the difference for themselves,” he said.
On internal party matters, Onjeh rejected claims that some groups had taken control of the APC structure in the state, describing such assertions as baseless.
“The APC is built on democratic principles and the rule of law, not a place where decisions are taken at the whims of a few individuals,” he stated, adding that party congresses were conducted in line with constitutional guidelines and their outcomes “cannot be altered by rumours or wishful thinking.”
He reaffirmed that Chief Benjamin Omale remains the recognised state chairman of the party, while Governor Alia is its leader in Benue, urging members to disregard contrary claims.
Onjeh also said reconciliation efforts within the party had largely succeeded at the grassroots level, noting that members who had earlier defected or disagreed with the leadership had returned.
“The party is now united at the grassroots; stronger and more cohesive than ever,” he said, dismissing suggestions of division ahead of the 2027 elections.
He emphasised that the focus should remain on strengthening the party for victory in upcoming elections, including the presidency, governorship, and legislative contests.
Reflecting on the governor’s performance, the former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said Benue residents were already experiencing a different style of leadership.
“Governor Alia never claimed to be perfect, but he came with a clear understanding of the challenges and has remained focused on addressing them step by step,” Onjeh noted.
He argued that the administration’s achievements should be judged by visible results rather than political rhetoric, adding that past governments that projected “perfection” failed to deliver meaningful progress.
Onjeh also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the public to ignore claims that Governor Alia’s emergence was a political favour, insisting instead that his entry strengthened the APC in the state.
“It was the entry of Governor Alia that gave the party victory across the board in the 2023 general election,” he said.
Recounting the 2023 campaigns, Onjeh said he accompanied the governor across nine local government areas in Benue South and witnessed his strong support for the party’s presidential candidate, even amid controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“He consistently promoted the presidential campaign alongside his own ambition, demonstrating loyalty and commitment to the party,” he added.
The APC chieftain maintained that attempts to mislead voters would not succeed, describing Benue electorates as “more aware and discerning.”
He further claimed that Governor Alia’s midterm performance had already surpassed that of previous administrations, urging residents to remain patient as development unfolds.
“No government can meet every demand at once… development comes in phases and will gradually reach every part of the state,” he said.
Onjeh concluded by calling on residents to pray for peace and progress in Benue, while urging them to support the governor’s re-election bid.
He expressed optimism about a “peaceful and crisis-free tenure ahead,” adding that the administration remains committed to stability and growth.
