Says: “I Remain a Dedicated, Proud APC Member”


By Israel Adamu, Jos


The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Benue State, and Deputy ALGON Chairman, Hon. (Amb.) James Melvin Ejeh, has described as false, malicious, and politically motivated the reports circulating on social media alleging that he is collaborating with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).


In a statement released on Friday, Hon. Ejeh said the publication was the handiwork of “faceless political mercenaries and desperate propagandists” bent on tarnishing his image and destabilizing the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in Agatu and Benue South.


“My attention has been drawn to a malicious, false, and politically motivated report circulating on social media, alleging that I, Hon. (Amb.) James Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council and a proud member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), am working underground for the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” he said.


“This reckless publication represents a new low in the politics of blackmail, deceit, and character assassination. It is the handiwork of those who have failed to gain relevance in Agatu and Benue South and now seek to manufacture lies to create confusion and weaken the solid APC structure built under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State.”


Hon. Ejeh categorically refuted the allegations, describing them as “fiction written by idle minds and peddled by failed politicians.”


“Let me state unequivocally and for the record: I have never, at any time, in any form, or through any proxy, held a meeting with Dr. David Mark, Hon. John Ngbede, or any official of the ADC,” he stated.


He clarified that during the period the alleged “Monday meeting” supposedly took place, he and all 23 local government chairmen in Benue State were in Jos, Plateau State, attending a budget planning conference — verifiable by official records and photographs.


“To suggest that I, the sitting chairman of an APC-controlled council under an APC-led government at both state and federal levels, would surrender to an opposition party that has neither structure nor followership in Agatu, is not only laughable but deeply insulting,” he added.


Hon. Ejeh reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Hyacinth Alia, commending his visionary and inclusive leadership style that continues to drive development and progress across Benue State.


“I remain a loyal disciple of Governor Hyacinth Alia and fully committed to his development agenda for Benue State. My administration in Agatu has consistently aligned with his vision of inclusive governance, infrastructural transformation, and grassroots empowerment,” he said.


He warned those spreading falsehoods to desist, emphasizing that the people of Agatu know his record of service and political consistency.


“This latest smear campaign will fail, just like all previous attempts to malign my image have failed. The people of Agatu know me — they know my history, consistency, and dedication. No amount of blackmail or political propaganda will distract me from delivering good governance to my people. Those hiding behind anonymous social media pages to spread lies should prepare to face the full weight of the law,” he warned.


Hon. Ejeh reiterated his total loyalty to the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Governor Hyacinth Alia, expressing confidence in the party’s continued dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.


“As a committed member of the APC, I remain fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Transformative Development Agenda of Governor Hyacinth Alia. The Governor’s leadership is unprecedented — visionary, people-centred, and result-driven. His performance inspires absolute confidence in our great party’s victory come 2027,” he declared.


According to him, the APC in Agatu remains strong and united, with no affiliation whatsoever with any opposition party.


“It would be sheer foolishness to abandon a party that has a sitting President, a sitting Governor, and a functional structure across all levels, for a party without legitimacy, structure, or grassroots presence,” he said.


He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to advancing peace, unity, and development in Agatu and Benue State.


“My loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and our great party, the APC, is unwavering and cast in stone. No amount of propaganda or political mischief by desperate elements can shake this commitment. Come 2027, by the grace of God, we shall deliver Agatu Local Government solidly for Governor Alia, President Tinubu, and the APC from bottom to top. Lies may trend for a moment, but truth will always prevail,” he concluded.