Benue will re-elect Alia, detractors working in vain, says Onjeh
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Benue South senatorial candidate, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has said that the growing wave of attacks against Governor Hyacinta Alia will not alter the political direction
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Benue South senatorial candidate, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has said that the growing wave of attacks against Governor Hyacinta Alia will not alter the political direction of the State, insisting that the people have already made up their minds based on what they can see on the ground.
Onjeh said the recent surge of criticisms and negative campaigns against the Governor reflects last minute desperation, largely from politicians who have realised the tide is no longer in their favour.
According to him, there is a clear pattern of coordinated propaganda, with detractors sponsoring all manner of falsehoods and engaging in sustained campaigns of calumny to discredit the administration.
He added that beyond the propaganda, these same elements are working hard to undermine the administration and downplay its achievements, deliberately creating the impression that little or nothing has been done.
He said such efforts are aimed at weakening public confidence but will fail because the people can see the difference for themselves.
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The former Chairman of the Governing Board of Projects Development Institute, PRODA, Enugu, stated that the Governor’s detractors are spreading falsehoods suggesting they have succeeded in seizing the leadership of the party structure in the state.
“Such claims are nothing more than a figment of their imagination. The APC is built on democratic principles and the rule of law, not a place where decisions are taken at the whims and caprices of a few individuals. The process of congresses in the state was duly conducted in line with the constitution and guidelines of the party from the ward level to the state level, and that process has been completed and settled. The outcome cannot be altered by rumours or wishful thinking,” he said.
He maintained that Chief Benjamin Omale remains the duly recognised chairman of the party in the State, while Governor Alia remains the leader of the party in Benue State.
He urged members of the public and party faithful to disregard any contrary claims being circulated, noting that such rumours are to create confusion and distraction within the system.
Onjeh noted that these tactics are not new, adding that those behind them have consistently relied on similar gimmicks in the past.
He called on party members to remain united, steadfast and committed as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
Onjeh said that, fortunately, genuine reconciliation has taken place across the grassroots in various communities and wards in the state.
He noted that those who were initially misled during the crisis that rocked the party have retraced their steps and returned to the mainstream fold.
According to him, the party is united at the grassroots, and any impression being created at any level that the APC is divided or that its political fortune is dwindling ahead of the 2027 elections is false.
He said those creating such impressions are doing so for their personal and selfish reasons.
He added that the people have reconciled, those who strayed have returned home, and the party is stronger and more cohesive than ever.
Onjeh stressed that the priority at this time should be strengthening the party for victory across the board, including the presidential election, governorship election, National Assembly elections, and State Assembly elections. He said any distraction from this focus only serves the interest of those who do not wish the party well.
Onjeh further stated that across the country, governors remain the leaders of their parties in their respective states, stressing that the same standard must apply in Benue.
According to him, what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, and Governor Alia must be accorded full recognition and respect as the leader of the party in the state.
Onjeh noted that when Alia came into office, he never claimed to be a saint or a perfect man.
According to him, the Governor came with a clear understanding of the challenges facing the state and has remained focused on addressing them step by step.
The former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said Benue people have already experienced a different style of leadership, one that is gradually restoring order, rebuilding institutions, and pulling the state out of years of decline.
He pointed out that the past has shown that self proclaimed saints do not necessarily deliver good governance, noting that previous administrations that projected perfection still left the state in difficult conditions. He said Governor Alia is instead focused on cleaning up the system and putting Benue back on the path of stability and progress.
Onjeh stressed that the achievements of the present administration should speak for themselves and urged the public not to be distracted by the noise created by political actors seeking relevance.
He further called on the general public and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard the misinformation by detractors trying to create the false impression that the party ticket given to Governor Alia was a favour.
According to him, Alia brought real value to the party and his emergence strengthened the APC in Benue State.
Onjeh stated that as one of the founding members and pioneers of the APC in the state, he understands its history and can attest to the sacrifices and struggles that went into building the party but despite those efforts, it was still unable to attain the level of overall success it now enjoys.
He recalled that despite the heavy criticism and controversy that surrounded the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket during the election, particularly in a largely Christian environment like Benue State, many candidates were cautious and measured in their public remarks on the issue.
He noted, however, that Governor Alia took a different approach, engaging the matter directly and openly.
Onjeh said he personally followed the Governor across the nine local government areas of Benue South during the campaigns and witnessed firsthand how he consistently promoted the presidential candidate with his ambition.
He said Alia spoke more about the presidential campaign than his own, demonstrating loyalty and commitment to the party at all times.
Onjeh urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the public to ignore any attempt to distort this reality, insisting that such narratives are being pushed by those who seek to rewrite history for political convenience.
He maintained that attempts to mislead the people will fail because Benue voters are more aware, more discerning, and more determined to support leadership that is delivering.
Onjeh maintained that Governor Alia’s midterm record has already surpassed the performance of previous administrations, stressing that the results so far speak clearly for themselves.
He urged Benue people to keep faith with Governor Alia’s leadership, describing him as a public spirited leader with vision and foresight for the future of the state.
According to him, development is already visible and will continue to spread steadily across communities.
He noted that no government can meet every demand at once, but with consistency, patience, and committed leadership, progress will continue to meet the expectations of the people.
He said development comes in phases and will gradually reach every part of the state.
Onjeh called on Benue indigenes, as they go to church services this Sunday, to pray for the peace and progress of the state and to pray for Governor Alia.
He urged them to pray against those working behind the scenes to slow down progress or drag the state backward, noting that such efforts must not be allowed to succeed.
