Benue deputy gov, Sam Ode, speaks on rumoured plan to drop him

Benue State Deputy Governor, Mr. Sam Ode, has broken his silence on widespread online speculation suggesting Governor Hyacinth Alia may replace him before the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Friday at Owukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, where he represented Governor Alia at the funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Apochi, Ode dismissed the claims as unfounded and mischievous.

He described the rumours as a calculated attempt to mislead residents of Benue South Senatorial District and sow confusion in the state’s political landscape.

“There is no truth in the speculation that Governor Alia intends replacing me with Ojotu Ojema or anyone else,” Ode clarified.

Assuring that his partnership with Governor Alia remains cordial and focused on service delivery, the deputy governor urged the public to disregard the falsehoods.

While reacting to speculation about Ojema’s political future, Ode said that if the lawmaker decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), he would be welcomed.

“Benue South is largely controlled by the APC. Ojema is the only representative from the zone outside the party. His inclusion would strengthen us,” he explained.

Ode also cautioned politicians and social media commentators against dragging Idoma’s paramount ruler, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John, into political intrigues.

He urged stakeholders to focus on Governor Alia’s development agenda instead of being distracted by divisive online narratives.

Warning against efforts to destabilize the Idoma community, he emphasized the need to safeguard its unity as a source of strength. Ode further encouraged eligible voters, particularly in Ogbadibo, to take part in INEC’s Continuous Voters Registration exercise to secure their voting rights.