Owukpa (Benue): Benue Deputy Governor Sam Ode has firmly denied rumours circulating on social media that he may be replaced ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ode, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia at the funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Apochi on Friday in Owukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, described the claims as “baseless” and aimed at misleading the Benue South community.
He said the falsehood was deliberately circulated to mislead the people of Benue South Senatorial District and create unnecessary confusion within the political space.
“There is no truth in the speculation that Governor Alia intends to replace me with Ojotu Ojema or anyone else,” Ode clarified.
He stressed that the rumours should be ignored and assured residents that his working relationship with the governor remained cordial and focused on service delivery.
Ode, however, noted that if Ojema considered joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), he would be warmly received into the fold.
“The APC largely controls Benue South. Ojema is the only representative from the zone outside the party. His inclusion would strengthen us,” he explained.
The deputy governor also urged respect for traditional institutions, warning politicians and social media users against dragging Idoma’s traditional ruler, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo John, into political intrigues.
He called on stakeholders to concentrate on Governor Alia’s ongoing development projects rather than allow themselves to be distracted by divisive falsehoods circulating online.
Ode warned against attempts to create discord in the Idoma community, stressing that the unity of the people remained their greatest strength and must be preserved.
He also advised residents, particularly in Ogbadibo, to participate in INEC’s Continuous Voters Registration exercise to secure their voting rights in future elections.
