The Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Sir Tersoo Kula, has described former All Progressives Congress, APC, State Chairman, Austin Agada’s decision not to support Governor Alia’s 2027 re-election bid as a personal political position.
Kula, in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, said Agada should not portray his disagreement with the governor as the position of the entire Benue APC.
Agada had reportedly said during an appearance on TVC News’ Politics Tonight that Governor Alia had given him “no reason” to support his re-election in 2027. The Benue APC has also criticised remarks attributed to Agada concerning the governor and other party stakeholders.
In his response titled “Agada: When Personal Grievance Is Mistaken for Political Mandate,” Kula argued that the APC in Benue was larger than any individual or faction.
He said Agada, having served as the party’s state chairman, could not present himself as the uncontested voice of the entire party.
Kula also questioned the basis of Agada’s grievances, alleging that the former chairman had previously sought contracts, political appointments, party finances and other concessions from the administration.
The governor’s spokesman further referenced allegations surrounding the management of campaign and party funds during Agada’s tenure as chairman. He, however, did not provide supporting documents for the allegations in the statement.
He also accused Agada of having faced disagreements with the governor, party stakeholders and members during his tenure.
Kula said 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.
“Agada’s attempt to turn his personal decision about the 2027 election into a wider political statement is therefore misplaced and potentially misleading,” Kula said.
The statement also touched on the ongoing dispute over the leadership structure of the Benue APC.
Kula said the party had conducted fresh congresses in 2026 and identified Chief Benjamin Omale as the state chairman recognised by the party’s national leadership.
However, the leadership of the Benue APC has remained contested. While a March 2026 congress produced Benjamin Omale, another faction aligned with George Akume reaffirmed Austin Agada as chairman. Reports have also documented continuing legal and political disputes between the two camps.
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 also alleged that Agada had previously worked against the interests of APC candidates and mishandled resources meant for mobilisation, claims that were presented in the statement without supporting evidence.
The governor’s spokesman said Agada was free to oppose Alia, support another candidate or pursue any political arrangement he considered appropriate.
He, however, urged him 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.