The Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Sir Tersoo Kula, has reacted to former APC State Chairman, Austin Agada's decision not to support Governor Alia's 2027 re-election bid. Kula described Agada's stance as a personal political position, not representative of the entire Benue APC. This statement was made on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, via a press release.
Agada had appeared on TVC News' Politics Tonight, stating that Governor Alia gave him "no reason" to support his re-election in 2027. The Benue APC also criticized Agada's remarks about the governor and other party stakeholders. Kula argued that the APC in Benue is larger than any individual or faction, emphasizing that Agada, as a former state chairman, cannot claim to be the uncontested voice of the party.
Kula questioned the basis of Agada's grievances, alleging that the former chairman had sought contracts, political appointments, party finances, and other concessions from the administration. He referenced allegations surrounding the management of campaign and party funds during Agada's tenure as chairman. However, Kula did not provide supporting documents for these allegations.
The governor's spokesman accused Agada of having faced disagreements with the governor, party stakeholders, and members during his tenure. Kula emphasized that Agada's decision on whether to support Alia in 2027 should not be presented as a reflection of the views of the people of Benue. He described Agada's attempt to turn his personal decision into a wider political statement as "misplaced and potentially misleading."
The statement also touched on the ongoing dispute over the leadership structure of the Benue APC. Kula mentioned that the party conducted fresh congresses in 2026, identifying Chief Benjamin Omale as the state chairman recognized by the party's national leadership. However, the leadership of the Benue APC has remained contested, with another faction aligned with George Akume reaffirming Austin Agada as chairman.
Kula further questioned Agada's political influence, citing his alleged inability to secure his polling unit during the last general election and controversies surrounding his political activities. He alleged that Agada had previously worked against the interests of APC candidates and mishandled resources meant for mobilization. Kula stated that Agada was free to oppose Alia, support another candidate, or pursue any political arrangement he considered appropriate.
The governor's spokesman urged Agada not to portray his personal disagreement with the governor as a popular rejection of the administration. Kula said the people of Benue would ultimately assess Alia's administration based on its record and their experiences. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 political project would similarly not depend on the endorsement of one former state party chairman.
Key points
- Austin Agada's decision not to support Governor Alia's 2027 re-election bid is a personal position, not representative of the APC's stance in Benue.
- The Benue APC has a contested leadership structure, with Chief Benjamin Omale and Austin Agada recognized as state chairmen by different factions.
- Governor Alia's administration will be assessed by the people of Benue based on its record and their experiences, not by the endorsement of one individual.
