ADC denied the link to Governor Alia, stating the independence of the APC influence

The Benue State Chapter from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) firmly rejects speculation that connects the party with Governor Hyacinth Alia, rejecting the claim as an attempt to be discouraged by political compounds to damage their credibility ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a very strong statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi, the Secretary of the ADC State Publicity, Stevie Ayua, clarified that the party did not have an affiliation with the Governor or Decision of all Progressive (APC) in the state.

“This clarification is necessary to eliminate unfounded rumors circulating among certain circles that ADC is an alternative platform for Governor Alia if he fails to secure the nomination of his party, APC, for the second term,” Ayua said.

He described the rumors as a stain campaign designed by “failed politicians and damage makers” that confuted voters and demonstrated the increasing popularity of ADCs throughout the state.

Ayua noted that after the official opening of the party in the state of Benue on July 10, 2025, there was a surge in interest from enthusiastic residents who wanted to register as members – momentum that were fully driven by the mobilization of grassroots and internal party funding.

“All ADC activities so far, from the opening ceremony of the state, the creation of awareness, mobilization, registration of membership and the inauguration of the local government chapter is funded by voluntary contributions by dedicated and loyal party stakeholders,” Ayua said.

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He stated that the operation of the independent party and without the financial influence of the external actors, especially the administration led by the APC is currently in the state.

“We are proud to declare that our party funding and operations are not dependent on any external influence, especially from the Governor of Alia and the Benue state government. We do not and will not receive any contribution from the Governor of the Benue State or others who are not our members to our party organizations and administration,” he said.

According to him, ADC in Benue was established based on clear ideological principles that distinguish it from the political status quo and will not function as a protection for politicians who are looking for fallback choices for pure opportunistic reasons.

“Therefore, the ADC state chapter wants to categorize itself from the relationship or affiliation felt by the ruling Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia from the Congress of all progressive, APC, and the government,” the statement continued.

“We want to expressly declare that while ADC as a party that will be defeated in 2027 is open and is willing to welcome all Nigerians, including Governor Alia, ADC is not a protection for politicians who do not believe in their ideology but only try to use their platforms for the comfort of election.”

“Our party is built on the principles and policies aimed at saving Nigeria and the state of benue, especially from experiments that failed from the current government and others. We will not function as a forum for politicians who want to exploit our platform for personal or political benefits without sharing our vision for Nigeria and the state.”

Reaffirming the party’s mission, Ayua stressed that ADC remained focused on reclaiming the state of Benue through a credible and oriented agenda and would not be disturbed by what he described as an unfounded political gossip.

“For those who peddle this false narrative in an effort to damage the ADC, we advise them to focus on overcoming problems in their own parties rather than trying to damage political parties that are committed to bringing concrete changes in Nigeria and the Benue state in particular.”

“While the ADC that we represent in the state of Benue remains a platform for all, we reject any suggestions about the relationship or brotherhood with the APC government of the state of Benue as reported by politicians who fail and the damage makers who hope to demonstrate our party with unfounded and baseless rumors,” he concluded.