Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The All Progressives Congress, APC, Benue State Chapter, has strongly rejected the allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia is using public funds to finance a partisan campaign under the guise of a Thank-You Tour. The party described the claim as baseless, mischievous and politically motivated.
The APC said the NDC had failed to provide a shred of evidence to substantiate its allegation of diversion or misuse of public funds. The party added that the NDC chose to present speculation as fact in an apparent attempt to mislead the people of Benue.
The party challenged the NDC to produce verifiable evidence of any public funds allegedly expended on the tour. It stressed that serious allegations require credible proof and cannot be established through conjecture, insinuation or political rhetoric.
According to the APC, the Thank-You Tour is a legitimate political and stakeholder engagement. Its purpose is to enable Governor Alia to personally appreciate party faithful, stakeholders, traditional rulers, party elders and supporters across the state for their support and goodwill.
The party said such engagements are neither unusual nor inconsistent with democratic practice. It noted that political leaders routinely interact with their supporters and stakeholders to strengthen political structures, deepen grassroots engagement and sustain meaningful dialogue.
The APC also condemned what it described as the NDC’s attempt to politicise the tragic security situation in Sankera by using the suffering of victims and their families as a weapon in a partisan argument.
The party said the pain caused by insecurity should command sensitivity and responsible leadership from all political actors, rather than become an instrument for political point-scoring.
“The NDC should not exploit the grief of our people for political purposes. The security and welfare of Benue people are matters of grave importance that should unite, rather than divide, responsible political actors,” the APC said.
The party maintained that Governor Alia’s engagement with APC stakeholders does not detract from his constitutional responsibility to govern. It stressed that political activities and the discharge of governmental responsibilities are distinct matters.
The APC further noted that the Alia administration remains focused on its development agenda and continues to engage communities and stakeholders across the state. It added that no amount of partisan rhetoric can obscure the administration’s record before the people.
The party urged the NDC to embrace constructive, issue-based opposition and subject its criticisms to the discipline of facts, rather than making unsubstantiated allegations against the government.
“Where there is evidence of wrongdoing, the responsible course is to present it for public scrutiny. Where there is none, political parties should have the restraint not to manufacture allegations simply to attract attention,” the party said.
The APC also rejected the NDC’s call for Benue people to shun the tour. It described the call as an unnecessary attempt to discourage legitimate interaction between political leadership and the grassroots.
The party called on government appointees, members of the State Executive Committee, Local Government Area party executives, stakeholders, party elders, traditional rulers and APC members across the 11 Federal Constituencies to participate peacefully and give Governor Alia a warm and befitting welcome.
The APC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive political engagement and urged all political actors in the state to place the interests, peace and development of Benue above partisan expediency.
Benedict Yawe
State Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC),
Benue State.
Monday, August 24, 2026.