THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) LEAGUE
PRESS CONFERENCE
CALL FOR THE EXPULSION OF GOVERNOR HYACINTH ALIA FROM THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC)
The All Progressives Congress League is a nationally-minded platform within the All Progressives Congress (APC), committed to the protection of party ideology, discipline, and cohesion. Our orientation and actions are aligned with the greater interests of the party across Nigeria. In light of this, we are compelled—following critical consultations and national reviews—to call for the immediate expulsion of Governor Hyacinth Alia from the APC.
This call is not an isolated or parochial agitation. It stems from the resolution reached after our last high-level consultative meeting, which reviewed the Governor’s absence at the recent APC National Summit held at the Villa—an action widely seen as a betrayal of the collective aspiration of the party—and agreed to formally call on the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party to act decisively.
The trust that binds our party is being stretched to its limits by the Governor’s habitual disregard for internal democratic norms, party leadership structures, and collective decision-making. Over the last year, we have noted the Governor’s systemic avoidance of party organs, his alienation of critical stakeholders, and his disturbing silence on persistent and credible imputations concerning his planned defection to then, Social Democratic Party (SDP) but now, African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
More disturbing is the growing evidence of Governor Alia’s covert alignment with Senator Gabriel Suswam, Elfufai and other actors opposed to APC interests in Benue and Nigeria at large. These underhand collaborations and his refusal to engage the NWC’s reconciliation efforts have further deepened division within the party in the state. His allies are visibly embedded in the operations of the ADC, while the APC structure in Benue is being deliberately crippled.
Rather than confront these issues with transparency, the Governor and his surrogates have opted for diversion, discrediting sources, attacking messengers, and ignoring the party’s demand for clarity. This continued ambiguity is corrosive to the spirit of unity within the APC and sends dangerous signals to loyal party supporters across the state and country.
The Governor’s conspicuous absence and lack of participation at the recent APC National Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the State House—an event that saw 21 of his APC governor-seated and subsequently, boldly endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR—revealed the depth of his disconnection from the party’s national leadership. His absence was loud, deliberate, and politically symbolic.
Despite the feeble attempt by his Chief Press Secretary to explain it away, no single image or evidence was presented to prove he participated at the summit at the State House. His belated appearance—just ten minutes before the end of the event—was clearly a face-saving afterthought prompted by urgent calls from his appointees who realized the political danger his absence posed since delegates from Benue became very unsettled and were asking questions. In politics, appearances speak volumes. Governor Alia chose absence over allegiance, distance over dedication.
Beyond the symbolic, the Governor has sidelined the APC structure in Benue State—marginalizing the State Executive Committee, refusing to convene meetings, and excluding elected representatives. This systematic dismantling of the party’s internal architecture endangers our cohesion and long-term viability in the state.
Let it be noted that the NWC of the APC has initiated multiple reconciliation mechanisms in Benue State, which Governor Alia has flatly ignored. His refusal to submit to party discipline and unity efforts is glaring and must no longer be tolerated.
Also, let it be remembered that Governor Alia rode to power on the back of the APC structure and sacrifices of loyal party members. That same structure is now being treated with contempt. Our party is greater than any individual, and its integrity must be defended at all costs.
Furthermore, Governor Alia’s constant threat of leaving the party—while his political spirit has long departed—is a dangerous liability to the APC. The continued indulgence and condoning of this behavior by the NWC poses a serious danger to the unity and credibility of our party.
A Neutral but Principled Stance
The APC League is not a faction, nor is it beholden to any individual interest. Our concern is not personal but institutional. As a structure with national relevance, our actions are guided by a desire to uphold the constitution of the party, reinforce party discipline, and protect the future of APC across Nigeria. We act on principle, not politics.
A Call to the National Working Committee (NWC)
We strongly urge the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to immediately enforce the judgment of the High Court delivered on November 28, 2024, by Hon. Justice Kume, which affirmed Austin Agada as the legitimate Chairman of the APC in Benue State.
Let history reflect that it was under the leadership of Austin Agada that the APC rose from the ashes in Benue—delivering sweeping victories across the Presidential, Gubernatorial, 2 Senatorial seats, 10 House of Representatives seats, and 22 State Assembly constituencies. His political strength, institutional loyalty, and ability to command party followership are vital for the APC’s recovery and future in Benue.
A Time to Act
In view of these facts, and in line with the disciplinary provisions of the APC Constitution, we call on the NWC to initiate disciplinary actions, including the expulsion of Governor Hyacinth Alia. His conduct constitutes gross misconduct, anti-party activity, and a betrayal of the collective efforts of APC members in Benue and across Nigeria.
Our stand is firm: we support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leadership of the APC, and all forces committed to safeguarding the integrity of our party from opportunism, sabotage, and internal decay.
Let it be known, APC is not for sale. It will not be turned into a vehicle for personal ambition, nor will we watch it collapse under the weight of selfishness and silence.
The time to act on Governor Alia’s umpteenth political indiscipline is now.
Signed
Hon. John Ogiri
National President
Dr. Henry Owolabi
National Secretary
The APC League
