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In a series of incendiary Facebook posts, political commentator Asom D Jerry has leveled serious accusations against Governor Hyacinth Alia, claiming the governor is spearheading a plot to sabotage the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State. The posts, which surfaced in recent days, allege that Alia is using local government chairmen, youth groups, and even former rivals to frustrate the party’s upcoming ward and local government congresses, potentially leading to a state of emergency or the governor’s downfall.
Asom D Jerry, a vocal critic with a history of commentary on Benue politics, described the purported conspiracy in vivid detail across multiple updates. In one post, he claimed Governor Alia was convening a meeting with the 23 Local Government Chairmen at Government House in Makurdi to either announce his defection to another political party or instruct them to disrupt the APC congresses in their respective areas. “It is either the Governor wants to inform the chairmen of his next move to decamp to another political party, or he intends to instruct them to return to their respective local governments and frustrate the congresses,” Jerry wrote, adding dramatically, “The chairmen have just finished eating!!!”
Governor Hyacinth Alia, a former Catholic priest who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the APC ticket, has been at the center of factional disputes within the party. 0 “LARGE” Jerry’s allegations escalated, accusing Alia of issuing a “standing order” to the chairmen and a group known as the “No Alia No Benue Youths” – described by Jerry as “thugs” – to prevent the congresses from proceeding. He warned that this “reckless move is a direct invitation to crisis,” potentially triggering severe consequences, including a declaration of a state of emergency, and suggested Alia could “ultimately find himself answering for his actions behind bars.”
Further posts implicated former Governor Gabriel Suswam, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. 2 “LARGE” Jerry alleged that Suswam was holding closed-door meetings with youth leaders and “political thugs” in Makurdi to align with Alia in undermining the APC’s democratic processes. “The agenda is clear: To join forces with Governor Hyacinth Alia and frustrate the Benue State APC from conducting its ward and local government congresses,” he stated, calling it a “desperate and calculated attempt to undermine the democratic process in the state.” Jerry urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to remain vigilant and tagged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his appeals.
In another update, Jerry claimed the APC State Secretariat in Makurdi had been “shut down” by Alia, with the “No Alia No Benue” thugs removing party flags from the building. He asserted that the property belongs to Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and a key APC figure in Benue. 1 “LARGE” “Any attempt to vandalize it amounts to outright theft and criminal destruction of property,” Jerry warned, vowing that those involved would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. He challenged Suswam to go live on social media to disclose his whereabouts and prove he was not conspiring with thugs, emphasizing, “No one is above the state!!!!”
These claims come amid a well-documented factional rift in the Benue APC, pitting Alia’s camp against that of Akume. Recent reports highlight confusion over the possession of materials for the ward congresses scheduled for February 18, 2026, with both factions claiming legitimacy from the national APC secretariat. 1 Alia’s supporters back Chief Ben Omale as state chairman, while Akume’s align with Austin Agada. The crisis has roots in earlier disputes, with observers noting a “house falling apart” due to the ongoing power struggle.
Suswam’s defection to the APC on February 5, 2026, after 27 years in the PDP, has fueled speculation of an alliance with Alia, potentially shifting the state’s political dynamics. 12 14 The PDP in Benue has criticized Suswam’s move, while former PDP publicity secretary Bemgba Iortyom accused Alia of creating conditions for tension that could lead to lawlessness. 6 However, the APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) reportedly affirmed Alia as the recognized leader in Benue in December 2025, amid interventions by President Tinubu. 10 9
Governor Alia has repeatedly denied rumors of defection, insisting he remains committed to the APC and describing it as a “beacon of hope” for Benue. 3 4 No official response from Alia’s office to Jerry’s specific allegations was available as of this report, but sources close to the governor have dismissed similar claims as partisan smears aimed at destabilizing his administration.
The timing of these exposures is critical, as the APC’s ward congresses approach. Analysts warn that unresolved factionalism could lead to parallel congresses, legal battles, or even violence, echoing past interventions by federal authorities. Security agencies have been urged to monitor the situation closely to prevent any escalation.
Asom D Jerry’s posts, which have garnered hundreds of likes and shares on Facebook, appear to align with the Akume faction, using social media to amplify calls for accountability. While unsubstantiated by independent verification, they underscore the deep divisions in Benue’s political landscape, where alliances shift rapidly and accusations of conspiracy are commonplace. As the state marks its 50th anniversary, the focus remains on whether these claims will ignite further crisis or prompt reconciliation within the ruling party.
