By: Fabian Apechihin

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s emergence as Benue State governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023 marked a significant political shift, ending the eight-year administration of the Peoples Democratic Party led by former Governor Samuel Ortom.

The Catholic priest-turned-politician secured a decisive victory that many observers described as unprecedented, with his election widely interpreted as reflecting the desire of many Benue residents for a new direction in governance.

Supporters of Governor Alia argue that his administration has remained focused on delivering the vision of a “New Benue Renaissance.” They point to infrastructure development, improvements in public services, reforms in governance and efforts to reposition the state as evidence that the governor entered office with a clear development agenda.

Benue politics has historically been shaped by intense political rivalries and recurring debates over the influence of political godfathers. Alia’s supporters contend that his administration has sought to prioritize governance over political interests, maintaining that he has resisted pressure to appoint individuals allegedly backed by influential political figures into strategic government positions.

They also credit the administration with executing projects in road infrastructure, settling outstanding salary and pension obligations, renovating healthcare facilities, promoting agriculture, attracting investment, reviving industries and expanding employment opportunities for young people. Among the projects frequently highlighted by supporters is the ongoing effort to revive the Taraku Mills as part of the state’s economic revitalisation strategy.

Despite these initiatives, the administration has faced serious security challenges. Deadly attacks in several communities, including the killings in Yelwata, drew national attention and prompted a visit by President Bola Tinubu, who called for peace and urged political stakeholders in the state to embrace reconciliation.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, internal disagreements within the Benue APC have continued to generate political debate. Some supporters of Governor Alia have accused the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, of attempting to influence the state’s political direction. They have also raised concerns over the outcome of recent party processes and alleged manipulation of candidate lists.

These allegations remain disputed and have not been independently verified.

Supporters insist that Governor Alia has delivered measurable achievements within a relatively short period in office and deserves a second term to consolidate ongoing projects. They argue that his administration has restored public confidence in government through what they describe as transparent, accountable and people-centred leadership.

They further maintain that the governor continues to enjoy widespread grassroots support across the state and believe this backing will translate into electoral success in the 2027 governorship election.

However, differing opinions persist within the APC and among other political stakeholders regarding the future direction of the party and the state’s leadership. While Alia’s supporters argue that he should be allowed to continue his developmental agenda without political interference or the influence of godfatherism, other political actors have expressed alternative views on the party’s internal dynamics and leadership.

With the 2027 elections drawing closer, political analysts believe Benue will remain one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political battlegrounds, as competing interests within the ruling party continue to shape the state’s political landscap.

• Slams Gov AbdulRazaq’s non-chalance on rescue of 179 Woro abductees

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State on the successful rescue of the 49 abducted school children and teachers, who regained their freedom after spending 51 harrowing days in the kidnappers’ forest

The party described the rescue as the outcome of sustained citizen engagement, consistent media pressure, and the responsive leadership of the Oyo State Government. It noted that Governor Seyi Makinde demonstrated what responsible leadership looks like by treating public criticism and concern not as an affront, but as a call to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.

In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the Kwara PDP contrasted the development with the security situation in Kwara State, accusing Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of failing to make the rescue of the 176 pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children abducted during the February 3, 2026 terrorist attack on Woro community a priority. The attack also claimed the lives of nearly 200 residents.

According to the party, Governor Abdulrazaq’s perceived indifference and lack of decisive action extend beyond the Woro tragedy to the plight of hundreds of other victims of kidnapping and bandit attacks across Kwara State, leaving affected communities feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

“Our party is worried that while Oyo people celebrate the return of their citizens, Kwara State is left mourning under a government that simply does not care. We cannot help but compare the Oyo success to the situation in Kwara, where about 176 innocent people abducted in Woro, Kaiama LGA, have been left in the kidnappers’ den since February 3, 2026. Today makes it exactly 158 days that these citizens have been abandoned in the forest, completely ignored by the Abdulrazaq government.

“The successful rescue in Oyo did not happen by accident. It happened because Governor Seyi Makinde showed true leadership, made the crisis his top priority, and worked closely with the Federal Government and security agencies. In sharp contrast, the government in Kwara has failed to face the issue of insecurity with the same energy, honesty, and determination needed to bring our people back home.

“What is even more disturbing is the wickedl way Governor Abdulrazaq treats critics and ordinary citizens who speak out. Instead of fighting bandits, this administration treats anyone who points out its failures as an enemy, using state institutions to hunt down and silence dissenting voices.

“Kwarans will not forget how elderly women from Ifelodun, who were peacefully protesting and begging the government to rescue their kidnapped loved ones, were brutally assaulted and humiliated right in front of the Government House, Ilorin while the police and security operatives watched. Meanwhile, in Oyo State, when protesters led by activist VeryDarkMan took to the streets, Governor Makinde did not send thugs to beat them. Instead, he joined them physically, explained the government’s efforts, and gave them his word. This shows that a determined leader sees critics as partners in progress, not as criminals to be thrown into a jail cell,” the statement reads in part.

The Kwara PDP commends the people of Oyo State and the Southwest, the media houses, the Rattel Movement led by VeryDarkMan, and every private citizen who used their voice to keep the Federal and Oyo State Government on their toes until those children were freed.

“The party observed that throughout the difficult period, Governor Makinde accepted public criticisms and demands for greater action as part of the burden of leadership. Instead of treating concerned citizens as adversaries, he acknowledged their concerns, personally engaged with protesters, explained the efforts of government and reassured them that every necessary step was being taken to secure the victims’ freedom.

“We challenge Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to see this development as a wake-up call and immediately rescue the Woro children and pregnant women. We also call on all Kwara citizens—especially journalists, civil society groups, academics, and public groups—to rise up and demand answers from the Abdulrazaq government regarding the 179 Woro people and others still trapped in bandit camps.” The statement reads.

• Warn Against Backlash For Party If Their Appeal Is Ignored

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum, notable Elders and Youths within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Oke-ero Local Government ArCall gea of Kwara State have demanded an ‘Ekiti for Ekiti’ to fly the flag of the party for the House of Representatives seat, and not an outsider claiming to be from the area

The group, for the umpteenth time, expressed vehement opposition to the purported emergence of Mrs Olasumbo Florence Oyeyemi as the party’s candidate for the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State.

Chief Bayo Alabi, the leader of the elders caucus, and Mr Dayo Ashaolu, the Youth Coordinator, stated this in a joint statement on Saturday.

They maintained that the House of Representatives seat should remain the preserve of an indigene of Oke-Ero Local Government Area and not someone from Ijebu in Ogun State.

They argued that the Local Government Council has waited for more than two decades for the opportunity to produce the federal lawmaker representing the constituency.

They said handing the ticket to someone they do not regard as an indigene of Oke-Ero would amount to injustice and would deny the local government its long-awaited opportunity to occupy the seat.

They also alleged that Oyeyemi is not an indigene of Oke-Ero, arguing that her previous appointment and service as a Commissioner under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq do not, in their view, confer indigene status on her.

“Now that the situation appears to be favouring the Ekiti bloc, particularly Oke Ero Local Government, in our federal constituency following the withdrawal of Hon Tunji Olawuyi from the race, it would be a great source of joy if a bonafide son of Ekiti emerges as the candidate of APC.

“Regarding Florence Olasumbo purported nomination, although she is married to a man from Idofin, in Oke-ero, she is not an indigene of our constituency.

“A similar situation occurred with the current Commissioner representing Ekiti Local Government, who was married to a son of the soil but later divorced, having enjoyed the privilege of her marriage to become Commissioner . We don’t want such a scenario to repeat itself in our constituency.”

“Consequently, many people feel that Ekiti block has not truly enjoyed the expected representation.

“This is why we believe it is important to support a candidate who is an indigene of the soil and can genuinely represent our people,” they affirmed

They appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the leadership of the APC in Kwara State to reconsider the choice of candidate and instead support what they described as a genuine indigene of Oke-Ero to represent the constituency.

According to them, such a decision would foster unity within the party, strengthen the confidence of party members and reassure the people that their aspirations and sense of belonging are being respected.

They further claimed that if reports suggesting that Oyeyemi had already completed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination process as the APC candidate were true, the development could generate dissatisfaction among party members in Oke-Ero.

They argued that such a move could negatively affect the morale of APC members in the local government and weaken the party’s support base ahead of the general election.

“We reject the candidacy of Olasumbo. Our position is that the House of Representatives ticket meant for Oke-Ero should not be given to someone we do not regard as an indigene of the local government,” the stakeholders said.

They urged the APC leadership to review the situation and ensure that Oke-Ero is allowed to produce what they described as its own candidate, rather than one perceived to have originated from outside the local government.

They expressed hope that the party leadership would carefully consider their concerns in the interest of equity, justice and the continued unity of the APC in the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.