Governor Alia in Secret Talks With Ayu, Set to Dump APC Soon

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State , by every body language, appears poised for one of the most significant political shifts in Nigeria’s contemporary history, following a clandestine late-night meeting with former PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, in Makurdi, Daily Independent exclusively reports.

A senior political source, who requested anonymity, described the gathering as “the strongest indication yet that Governor Alia is preparing to leave the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

The confidential meeting reportedly took place Monday evening at Senator Ayu’s residence along Nyesom Wike Road and lasted over two hours, focusing on final arrangements for Alia’s entry into the ADC. Observers noted the timing, coming less than 24 hours after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar formally registered as an ADC member in Jeda, Adamawa State, a move analysts say has triggered nationwide political recalibrations.

Several sources confirmed that Ayu traveled to Benue to obtain his ADC membership card, signaling a quiet effort to build alliances with Atiku and key political actors in the North-Central region.

Insiders within Government House told Daily Independent that Monday’s meeting was part of a broader strategy to facilitate Alia’s transition to the ADC. Loyalists in the governor’s camp are reportedly establishing parallel party structures in local government areas to demonstrate that Alia enjoys substantial grassroots support capable of sustaining a statewide political movement.

One source familiar with the plan explained: “The governor is laying the groundwork for a new political home. These LGA structures are the foundation. The strategy is bigger than most people realize.”

Political tensions in Benue escalated recently after the state government ordered the demolition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign office in Makurdi. While no formal explanation was given, the move is widely seen as a symbolic break from the APC, signaling Alia’s distancing from the party ahead of his anticipated defection. APC loyalists perceive the demolition as an effort to weaken the party’s influence in preparation for Alia’s exit.

At the heart of this unfolding drama is the longstanding rivalry between Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Despite Akume’s role in securing Alia the APC ticket in 2023, disagreements over party appointments and internal structures have deepened the divide, resulting in factional congresses, rival meetings, and accusations of betrayal.

“The APC in Benue is fractured beyond repair,” an APC official said on condition of anonymity. “If Alia leaves, it will only confirm what we’ve all feared.” Observers say the demolition of the Tinubu campaign office reflects the party’s internal collapse.

Senator Ayu’s renewed political activism following his suspension as PDP national chairman in 2023 has revived longstanding networks across North-Central Nigeria. Combined with Atiku’s high-profile defection, analysts suggest a carefully coordinated political bloc is emerging ahead of the 2027 elections. For Alia, the alignment offers institutional support and a buffer against the Akume-led APC faction, which has increasingly opposed his administration.

Neither Alia nor Ayu has officially commented on the Makurdi meeting. However, the sequence of developments, including Atiku’s registration, Ayu’s movements, APC disunity, and Alia’s strategic maneuvers, points to a major political realignment. Analysts say that should Alia formally join the ADC, it would be among the most consequential shifts in North-Central politics since 2019, with implications likely to ripple across national alliances leading into 2027.

Alia’s next political move remains the focal point of attention in Benue, with the potential to reshape the state’s, and possibly the nation’s, electoral landscape.