ABUJA — A fresh political controversy has erupted ahead of the 2027 general elections as the International Centre for Transparency Nigeria (ICTN) alleges the existence of a high-level political arrangement involving key opposition figures and influential actors within Benue State politics.

The group, during a press conference held at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, and addressed by its National Leader, Prof. Joseph Vershima, alleged that a strategic alliance is being negotiated to reshape the political landscape of Benue State ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to ICTN, the alleged arrangement involves the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa.

The group claimed that the alleged political deal is designed to influence both the presidential and governorship contests in Benue State, warning that it could have far-reaching consequences for the electoral fortunes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state.

Alleged “Benue Political Deal”

ICTN alleged that elements within the Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have entered into an understanding to support the presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar ahead of 2027.

The group further alleged that Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa, whom it described as a long-standing political associate of Atiku Abubakar, has played a key role in building a bridge between former Governor Ortom’s political structure and a faction of the APC allegedly loyal to Senator George Akume.

According to the organization, part of the alleged arrangement is that Atiku Abubakar would provide financial support for the PDP governorship candidate in Benue State, while Senator George Akume’s political structure and elements within the PDP would support and mobilize for Atiku’s presidential campaign.

The group questioned the political implications of such an arrangement, asking whether those involved would ultimately prioritize the interest of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or pursue a separate political agenda ahead of 2027.

Warning To President Tinubu

The pressure group warned that any alleged collaboration aimed at weakening the APC’s support base in Benue could directly affect President Tinubu’s chances of retaining the state during the 2027 presidential election.

“Beyond the governorship contest, this development has implications for the presidential election because Benue remains a strategic state in the North Central,” the group stated.

ICTN urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC to pay close attention to internal political dynamics, alleging that unresolved alliances and conflicting interests within the party could pose challenges during the election.

Echoes Of 2007 Political Realignment

The organization also drew parallels with the 2007 presidential election, alleging that Senator George Akume’s political decisions at the time favoured Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid against the preferred candidate of the ruling establishment.

It questioned whether a similar political realignment could emerge again in 2027, stating that history must not be allowed to repeat itself.

Awaiting Responses

As of the time of filing this report, Senator George Akume, former Governor Samuel Ortom, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa, and representatives of Atiku Abubakar had not publicly responded to the allegations.

This publication has not independently verified the claims made by ICTN and continues to seek documentary evidence and responses from all parties mentioned.

However, the allegations have added a new dimension to the unfolding political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Benue State increasingly becoming a focal point in Nigeria’s emerging political contest.

Our attention has been drawn to a false, malicious, and unverified publication by an anonymous online platform alleging that Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah is involved in secret talks concerning the Benue State PDP Governorship; we categorically reject the report as a baseless fabrication published without any attempt to verify the claims with Dr. Akutah or his office. We therefore urge the public to disregard the publication entirely, as Dr. Akutah remains a loyal and committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and truth, professionalism, and responsible journalism will always prevail over misinformation and political propaganda.

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Comrade Atir Solomon Faeren Principal Private Adviser to Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah MON — with Comr Asan Doosuun Samuel and 15 others.

Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodinma, has distanced himself from comments critical of popular singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, insisting that the artiste “remains my son.”

Uzodinma, who also chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun Governorship Campaign Council, said he did not authorise Ambrose Nwogwugwu or any other individual to speak on his behalf regarding the singer.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku.

The statement followed remarks reportedly made by Nwogwugwu after Davido appealed for the August 15 Osun State governorship election to be conducted in a peaceful, free and fair manner.

Davido, who is a nephew of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, had called on Uzodinma to ensure that the election is credible and violence-free.

Reacting to the controversy, Uzodinma said the comments attributed to Nwogwugwu were his personal opinions and should not be interpreted as representing his views or those of the APC Osun Governorship Campaign Council.

“Davido remains my son,” the governor stated, reaffirming his relationship with the award-winning musician.

Uzodinma also clarified that while he is actively campaigning for the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, he is not a registered voter in Osun State and is only participating in the campaign in support of the party.

He reiterated the APC’s commitment to a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election, adding that it is common in democratic systems for party leaders to campaign for candidates outside the states where they are registered to vote.

The governor urged Davido, residents of Osun State and the general public to disregard the comments credited to Nwogwugwu, saying the clarification was necessary to prevent misunderstanding ahead of the election.