Losing APC Senatorial Ticket Won’t Stop Me from Defending Alia — Onjeh

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Benue South, Daniel Onjeh, says losing the party’s ticket for the 2027 election will not stop him from speaking out in defence of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Onjeh made the declaration while appealing to President Bola Tinubu not to be swayed by what he described as misinformation and political propaganda targeted at the Benue governor. He insisted that the interest of Benue State is greater than his personal ambition.

The APC chieftain acknowledged his dissatisfaction with the outcome of the recent senatorial primary election, claiming he was unfairly treated despite years of loyalty to the party. However, he maintained that his personal grievance should not cloud his judgement or prevent him from supporting what is right for the state.

Onjeh highlighted Governor Alia’s pivotal role in the APC’s victory in Benue during the 2023 general election, noting that the governor’s credibility as a Catholic priest helped reassure many Christian voters amid resistance to the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in parts of the North Central.

He alleged that while some political interests are working to weaken the governor through media campaigns and political pressure, ordinary residents are more concerned with improved roads, healthcare, education, prompt payment of salaries, and overall development. Onjeh expressed confidence that Governor Alia enjoys widespread grassroots support and would emerge victorious through any lawful APC governorship nomination process.

The former senatorial candidate urged President Tinubu to assess Governor Alia based on performance and contributions rather than whisper campaigns driven by vested interests.