Benue State: If I Had Contested in 2022, I would Have Defeated Ortom At That Time – Alancha
During an appearance on Channels Television on Friday, July 3rd 2026, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Dominic Alancha, has argued that the party’s victory in the 2022 governorship election was largely driven by public opposition to the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom rather than the personal popularity of the incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Alancha maintained that Alia’s emergence as governor was made possible by the party structure and the prevailing political atmosphere at the time, warning that the APC risks losing Benue State in 2027 if it retains the governor as its candidate.
Reflecting on the 2022 election, Alancha dismissed claims that Alia’s electoral success was solely based on his personal appeal.
Our party was in opposition then. It was simply ‘anybody but Ortom.’ If I had contested in 2022, I would have defeated Ortom at that time. So it’s not about his popularity. It’s about the structure that brought him, endorsed him and worked with him,” Alancha said.
According to him, the APC benefited from widespread dissatisfaction with the previous administration, creating an environment in which virtually any credible opposition candidate could have emerged victorious.
Alancha insisted that the political circumstances that produced the governor’s victory should not be mistaken for enduring public support, arguing that the party must carefully assess its chances ahead of the next governorship election.
He also claimed that Governor Alia has lost the backing of key religious leaders in the state, a development he said reflects growing dissatisfaction with the governor’s leadership.
“As I speak with you, even in Benue State today, the four bishops in Benue State are not on the same page with him. So it’s not about Alia being popular,” he stated.
Alancha further accused the governor of mishandling the affairs of the APC in Benue, warning that the party could face electoral consequences if it ignores internal concerns.
“The truth of the matter is that Alia has managed the party in a very bad way, and the outcome of it is what will be reflected in 2027 if Alia is given that ticket,” he said.
Alancha has been among party figures openly critical of the governor’s leadership, arguing that the APC should consider a different candidate if it hopes to retain control of Benue State.
Author
About The Author
