Benue: APC’s defeat won’t change my support for Alia – Onjeh

Daniel Onjeh has finally spoken after losing the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary, calling the result a case of “pure horse trading” and absolving Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of any responsibility.

Despite the setback, Onjeh reaffirmed his loyalty to the governor, praised his governance style, and said he is ready to back Alia’s bid for a second term.

Speaking after the APC primary, Onjeh said the circumstances that led to his defeat were the result of political negotiations beyond Governor Alia’s control.

In a statement issued shortly after the primaries, the former aspirant explained that, after reviewing the entire process, he concluded the outcome was driven by political interests rather than the governor’s direct involvement.

“The APC primaries have come and gone. I have come to realize that what happened to me was purely horse trading and truly beyond His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia,” he said.

Although he expressed disappointment with the conduct of the primaries, Onjeh insisted that the governor had remained focused on governance and development in the state.

He noted that while the APC may have fallen short politically, Governor Alia’s commitment to delivering good governance had stayed intact.

According to Onjeh, his support for the governor has always been rooted in personal conviction and confidence in the administration’s efforts to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

He stressed that the outcome of the primary election would not affect his support for the governor’s leadership and political future.

“My support for him and his administration has always been completely out of conviction,” he said, while also pledging continued support for Governor Alia’s re‑election bid.

Onjeh also congratulated the governor ahead of the APC governorship primary election.