Maku debunks reports linking Benue media tour to political defection

Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has dismissed reports linking the recent Good Governance Tour of Benue State to plans by Governor Hyacinth Alia to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Maku, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, described the reports as “false, politically motivated, and a deliberate attempt to misrepresent a non-partisan development initiative”.

He said the tour was aimed at promoting transparency and development that focused on leadership, not politics.

“The claim is entirely false, malicious, and should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.

“It is an unfortunate attempt to politicise a sincere, non-partisan initiative, ” Maku said.

He explained further that the good governance tour was designed to shift focus from political conflicts to tangible service delivery, particularly at the grassroots.

“This concept is not new, it was first introduced during my tenure as Minister of Information under the National Good Governance Tour, which assessed and showcased development efforts by leaders across party lines,” he said.

The former minister also referenced a similar initiative led by Prof. Jerry Gana during his time as Minister of Information and National Orientation.

“At that time, it became clear that political actors and the media were more focused on power tussles than addressing the real needs of the people.

“The tour helped many leaders to refocus on their core mandate and service to the people, ” he said.

Maku revealed that the current revival of the tour was in partnership with like-minded professionals, including Dr. Mike Omeri, a former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency.

He said several state governors had been approached, and Alia, was the first to respond with an official invitation.

“The Benue tour was conducted transparently, covered by multiple media outlets, and featured a town hall meeting where citizens engaged government officials on development and security issues,” he said.

Maku emphasised that the tour received positive feedback nationwide and had sparked interest from citizens in other states.

He reiterated that the initiative had no political agenda and categorically denied claims of attempting to facilitate Governor Alia’s defection.

“Those who know Gov. Alia understand that he is driven by a desire to serve, not by desperation for 2027,” Maku said.

He urged Nigerians to focus on the tour’s core objective to promote good governance and accountability rather than speculative political narratives.

“We remain committed to keeping the Good Governance Tour non-partisan, results-focused, and open to all leaders, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

Maku appealed to critics not to distract the Benue government from its ongoing development efforts. (NAN)