“You Will Find God in the APC” — Governor Alia’s Remarks Stir Political and Religious Debate
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has generated significant public debate following comments in which he described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a political platform where “God and solace” can be found. The statement, delivered during a high-profile public event, has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum and reopened discussions about the role of religion in Nigeria’s partisan politics.
Governor Alia made the remarks on Tuesday in Kaduna while attending the distribution of food items for Christmas and New Year celebrations. The outreach programme was organised by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and formed part of a broader effort to provide relief materials to vulnerable citizens during the festive season. The event attracted political leaders, government officials, and party supporters from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the gathering, Governor Alia suggested that the APC has become a political home offering comfort and reassurance to politicians, particularly those defecting from opposition parties. According to him, the ruling party represents a space where individuals can find purpose, direction, and what he metaphorically described as divine reassurance.
“The APC is where you can find God. You can only find solace in the All Progressives Congress,” the governor declared, a statement that quickly gained traction both at the venue and later on social media.
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Governor Alia further revealed that political realignments were underway in Benue State, particularly within the State House of Assembly. He recounted a recent interaction during the presentation of the state budget in Makurdi, where the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly allegedly informed him that six of the remaining lawmakers elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were already sympathetic to the APC.
According to the governor, although the lawmakers had not formally announced their defection, they were “already in the APC in spirit,” suggesting that their official movement into the ruling party was only a matter of time. He added that their eventual defection would soon be celebrated publicly.
“Just yesterday, during the budget presentation at the Benue State House of Assembly, the Speaker told me that the remaining six PDP members are already in the APC in spirit,” Alia said. “We will soon celebrate them physically in the party where one can find God and solace — the APC.”
The governor’s remarks have been interpreted by supporters as a strong expression of confidence in the ruling party’s growing influence, especially amid increasing defections by elected officials across the country. In recent months, the APC has benefited from high-profile defections at both state and federal levels, a trend that party leaders often cite as evidence of political dominance and acceptance of its policies.
However, the comments have also drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly due to Governor Alia’s background as a Catholic priest. Critics argue that invoking God in partisan political discourse risks blurring the line between faith and governance, potentially alienating citizens of different political or religious beliefs.
Some commentators have questioned whether religious language should be used to legitimise political parties or encourage defections, while others see the statement as symbolic political rhetoric rather than a literal theological claim. The remarks have also reignited debates about the propriety of clergymen holding political office and the ethical implications of mixing religious authority with state power.
Governor Alia, who was elected governor of Benue State under the APC platform, has often emphasised values such as service, compassion, and moral leadership in his public engagements. Supporters argue that his background influences his choice of language and that his comments should be understood within the broader context of political persuasion rather than doctrinal teaching.
As Nigeria continues to navigate a highly competitive political environment marked by party defections and shifting alliances, statements like Alia’s highlight the emotive strategies often employed by political leaders to consolidate support. Whether viewed as inspirational rhetoric or controversial symbolism, the governor’s remarks have once again underscored how deeply intertwined religion and politics remain in Nigeria’s public life.