MAKURDI: The Benue State chapter of the opposition African Democratic Congress ADC has refuted claims that the state governor, Hyacinth Alia is funding the party to create an alternative political platform for the 2027 elections.
The party attribute the rumours to “enemies” seeking to discredit the ADC and mislead the public.
In a statement released over the weekend by Stevie Ayua, Publicity Secretary of the Benue State ADC Steering Committee, the party clarified its financial independence.
Ayua stated that all activities, including the July 10, 2025 unveiling, public awareness campaigns, mobilization and membership registration, are entirely supported by voluntary contributions from dedicated stakeholders and party members.
“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,” Ayua asserted.
“We do not and will not accept any contributions from the Benue State Governor or any other person… who is not our member.”
This independence, he emphasized, is crucial for maintaining the party’s integrity and commitment to the people of Benue State.
The ADC Benue State Chapter explicitly disassociated itself from any perceived ties to Governor Alia or the ruling All Progressives Congress APC government.
Ayua said the clarification aims to dispel “unfounded rumours” suggesting the ADC as a backup option for Governor Alia should he fail to secure his party’s nomination for a second term.
While the ADC welcomes all Nigerians, including Governor Alia, Ayua stressed that the party “is not a refuge for politicians who do not believe in its ideology but merely seek to use its platform for electoral convenience.”
He added that the ADC is built on principles aimed at “rescuing Nigeria and Benue State in particular from the failed experiment of the current administration.”
The party advised those spreading false narratives to address issues within their own parties rather than attempting to undermine ADC’s mission for real change.
Ayua reiterated that 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” in 2027, rejecting any “baseless rumors” linking it fraternally to the APC government.
