Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The National Justice and Equity Movement has accused the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume of financing the Benue State chapter of African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state
According to the group in a press statement signed by its Secretary, Mr. Issah Mohamed, the SGF is plotting to use the ADC as an option for his preferred candidates for the national Assembly, state Assembly and governorship elections in the state in case they aren’t able to secure tickets under the current leadership of the State chapter of All Progressive Congress.
The group however berated the media handlers of the SGF for a report they circulated on the social media during the week where they claimed that the governor of the State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia was having an affiliation with the African Democratic Congress in the state.
The group buttressed it’s point with a claim that it was Senator George Akume that worked it out for one of his stooges, Terngu Tsegba to emerge as the Interim State Chairman of the party in Benue state..
Although, the ADC in the state has issued a statement through its State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Stevie Ayua to claim that the party is independent.
The statement reads:
BENUE ADC DEBUNKS GOV. ALIA Affiliation RUMOURS, EMPHASISES INDEPENDENCE*
*WE HAVE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING*
When the Benue State Chapter of the ADC was unveiled on Wednesday July 10th 2025 in Makurdi the Benue State capital one thing was clear, it was a gathering of the genuine democratic heavy weights and passionate party men, women and youths coming together in a coalition ready to sacrifice and rescue Benue from Bad Governance.
What has followed after that historical unveiling has been a massive turn out of the Benue masses in both the urban and rural areas at the various registration points across the state seeking to be registered as members of the ADC.
This is a clear pointer to the fact that the Benue people have accepted the ADC as the party that will usher in a credible alternative to the abysmal performance of the APC led government in the state and at the national level.
The Benue State ADC Committee has since after the State Unveiling been moving from one Local Government to the other across the State inaugurating the Local Government Chapters of the party and mobilizing the populace for membership registration.
All of these activities of the ADC so far, From the state unveiling event, awareness creation, mobilization, membership registration and Local Government Chapter inauguration are being funded with voluntary contributions by Dedicated Stakeholders and party faithful.
We are proud to declare that our party’s funding and operations are independent of any external influence particularly from Governor Alia and the Benue State Government. We do not and will not accept any contributions from the Benue State Governor or any other person at that who is not our member for the Organization and administration of our party. This independence allows us to maintain our integrity and commitment to the people of Benue State without any compromise.
*A DISCLAIMER*
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Benue State Chapter therefore wishes to categorically disassociate itself from any perceived link or affiliation with the incumbent Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his government.
This clarification has become necessary to dispell unfounded rumors circulating in certain circles that the ADC is an alternative platform for Governor Hyacinth Alia should he fail to secure the nomination of his party, the APC for a second tenure.
We want to state unequivocally that while the ADC as the party to beat in 2027 is open and willing to welcome all Nigerians, including Governor Alia, the ADC is not a refuge for politicians who do not believe in its ideology but merely seek to use its platform for electoral convenience.
Our party is built on principles and policies aimed at rescuing Nigeria and Benue State in particular from the failed experiment of the current administration and others like it.
We will not serve as a receptacle for politicians looking to exploit our platform for personal or political gain without sharing our vision for Nigeria and the state.
To those peddling these false narratives in an attempt to undermine the ADC, we advise them to focus on addressing the problems within their own parties rather than trying to undermine a political party that is committed to bringing about real change in Nigeria and Benue State in particular.
The ADC is on a rescue mission to reclaim Benue State and Nigeria from failed governance and usher in a new era of development and accountability to the people of Benue State in 2027.
We will not be swayed by baseless rumors or attempts to confuse the public.
*CONCLUSION*
In conclusion, while The African Democratic Congress (ADC) which we represent in Benue State remains a platform for all, we reject any suggestions of any link or fraternal association with the APC government of Benue State as being rumoured by failed politicians and mischief Makers hoping to demarket our party with such baseless and unfunded rumours.
*SIGNED*
*Hon. Stevie Ayua*
Publicity Secretary
BENUE STATE ADC COMMITTEE