A private meeting hosted by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has stirred political speculation, following his closed-door interaction with several opposition figures at the Government House in Makurdi on Friday.
The event, titled An Evening of Fellowship and Dialogue with Selected Political Leaders, Friends, and Colleagues, was reportedly aimed at fostering unity and development across party lines. However, the gathering quickly triggered widespread rumours of an imminent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Shortly after invitations were sent out, a banner surfaced at the entrance of the Government House, suggesting that the meeting was a “pre-decamping session.” The poster displayed the images of notable political figures including Senator Gabriel Suswam, Dr. Paul Orhii, Dr. Cletus Tyokyaa, Hon. Anthony Agom of Okpokwu, Prof. David Iornem, and Hon. Ojetu Ojema of the House of Representatives.
The African Democratic Congress swiftly denied the rumours through its state Publicity Secretary, Hon. Stevie Ayua, describing them as baseless and misleading. He reaffirmed that Senator Suswam remains firmly committed to the ADC and has no plans to join the APC.
Bede Bartholomew, Senator Suswam’s media aide, also dismissed the speculation, calling it “a lie from the deepest pit of hell.” He explained that his principal’s attendance was purely in the spirit of collaboration for Benue’s development, not a political realignment.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party in the state declined to participate in the event. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Dan Nyikwagh, the party described the invitation as procedurally flawed, urging Governor Alia to follow proper channels if he genuinely seeks bipartisan cooperation.
What began as a gesture of dialogue and inclusiveness has now evolved into a wave of political intrigue, leaving observers watching closely to see if the ripples will lead to genuine partnership or deepen partisan divides in Benue politics.
