By Deborah Mdima Adekaa
The Benue Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (BAGA) has cautioned political leaders against allegedly negotiating the outcome of the 2027 Benue State governorship election behind closed doors, insisting that the people must determine who governs the state.
The group’s reaction follows allegations of a proposed political alliance involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom.
In a statement signed by its President, Chief John Terfa, BAGA alleged that the proposed alliance, reportedly known as the Rainbow Coalition, was part of wider political negotiations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation claimed that Benue State was among five states allegedly being considered for political influence by Wike under the arrangement, reportedly aimed at securing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
BAGA further alleged that the discussions included plans to support former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, as a preferred governorship candidate in Benue.
However, the group condemned what it described as an attempt by political power brokers to determine the state’s leadership without the consent of its electorate.
“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 alleged that Wike had questioned Governor Hyacinth Alia’s growing political influence during a meeting with Akume in Abuja and purportedly demanded that the governor should not return to office in 2027, regardless of the election outcome.
BAGA further alleged that Wike boasted of having influence over the judiciary. The statement did not provide independent evidence to substantiate these claims.
The organisation maintained that political alliances should not be used to undermine the electorate’s constitutional right to choose its leaders, arguing that the 2027 governorship election must be determined by voters rather than private negotiations among influential politicians.
While expressing support for Alia’s administration, BAGA said the governor should be allowed to complete two terms if re-elected by the people, adding that the administration’s performance in governance and development should be assessed through democratic processes.
The group also criticised the administration of former Governor Ortom and expressed concern over what it described as the growing influence of political interests seeking to shape the state’s future.
It urged political stakeholders to prioritise competence, accountability, transparency and public interest in any proposed coalition, rather than personal ambitions and political bargaining.
BAGA also called on politicians seeking President Tinubu’s support to pursue their ambitions without imposing conditions that could compromise the freedom of Benue voters to make their own choices.
The organisation urged civil society groups, voters and other stakeholders to remain vigilant ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that the state’s political future must not be determined by external interests.
“Benue is not Rivers, and we will not allow Wike from Rivers State to choose a governor for us in Benue State,” the group declared.
BAGA maintained that regardless of the name or political platform adopted, any arrangement that disregards the wishes of Benue voters would face opposition from the group.
The allegations concerning the proposed coalition and the individuals named in the statement remain claims by BAGA and should not be treated as independently established facts.