By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The alleged moves by powerful politicians to determine who succeeds Governor Hyacinth Alia in 2027 have drawn opposition in Benue, with the Benue Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (BAGA) warning that the state’s governorship will not be decided through political deals in Abuja.
The group specifically rejected an alleged arrangement involving Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former Governor Samuel Ortom, insisting that Benue voters must determine who governs the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Chief John Terfa, BAGA alleged that the negotiations were being pursued under a proposed political alliance known as the Rainbow Coalition.
The group claimed that Benue was among five Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled states being considered for political arrangements to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
It further alleged that the arrangement was designed to favour former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, as the preferred governorship candidate in Benue.
Describing the alleged negotiations as an attempt to trade the state’s political future without the consent of its people, BAGA insisted that no alliance among influential politicians should override the electorate’s right to choose its leaders.
“Benue is not a political commodity to be traded behind closed doors in Abuja. The people of the state must have the final say on who governs them and the direction their state takes,” the statement said.
The group also expressed support for Governor Alia’s administration, describing its performance in governance and development as satisfactory, and argued that he should be allowed to complete two terms if re-elected.
BAGA challenged politicians seeking President Tinubu’s support for their ambitions to do so without imposing conditions that could compromise the democratic rights of Benue voters.
It urged voters, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to remain vigilant against any political arrangement that could undermine their choice in the 2027 elections.
“Benue people are politically conscious. They will not surrender their future to a coalition of political interests formed without their consent,” the statement said.
The group added: “Whatever colour it is given, Rainbow, PDP or otherwise, the people will reject any arrangement that threatens their collective interests and development.
“Benue is not Rivers, and we will not allow Wike from Rivers State to choose a governor for us in Benue State.”
