Benue PDP to Alia: Face governance challenges, leave Akume alone

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Benue State chapter, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to stop what it described as persistent attacks on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and instead concentrate on addressing the challenges confronting the state.

The party made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Bright Antyo, and made available to The Mirror.

The PDP was reacting to an online publication allegedly linking Senator Akume to a plot to impose former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

Describing the report as “mischievous, baseless and politically motivated,” the party said the allegations were intended to tarnish the image of the SGF and create unnecessary political tension.

According to the PDP, the suggestion that Chief Aondoakaa emerged as the party’s governorship candidate through Senator Akume’s influence was an insult to the party’s internal democratic process and to all party stakeholders who participated in producing the candidate.

The party maintained that Aondoakaa secured the PDP ticket through a transparent and democratic process, insisting that no external individual influenced the outcome.

“It is an insult to every leader, stakeholder and member of the PDP in Benue State to suggest that our governorship candidate emerged through the sponsorship of Senator George Akume or any external actor,” the statement read.

The opposition party also dismissed claims that Senator Akume was backing the PDP, describing the allegation as laughable given his position as leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State and the North-Central region, as well as his constitutional responsibilities as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The PDP argued that Governor Alia’s administration should instead explain why several of his political associates and supporters have allegedly left his camp for other political platforms, including the PDP.

According to the party, the governor’s inability to effectively manage his political structure has resulted in growing internal dissatisfaction and increasing defections.

The statement further accused the Alia administration of failing to deliver on key campaign promises despite what it described as unprecedented federal allocations received by the state following the removal of fuel subsidy.

The PDP said Benue residents had expected significant improvements in infrastructure, security, agriculture and economic development but had instead witnessed political vendettas, propaganda and abandoned promises.

The party specifically cited the High Level Junction underpass project in Makurdi, alleging that flooding concerns around the project reflected poor planning and inadequate drainage infrastructure.

It advised Governor Alia to devote more attention to governance rather than engaging in political battles and media attacks.

Drawing comparisons with other governors, the PDP claimed that states led by Governors Abdullahi Sule, Hope Uzodimma, Umar Bago and Alex Otti had utilised increased federal revenues to execute major infrastructure projects, strengthen public services and tackle insecurity.

The opposition party also rejected allegations linking Senator Akume and other APC leaders to any plan to fund PDP candidates for the purpose of impeaching Governor Alia.

It challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence, including details of the alleged financiers, beneficiaries and financial transactions.

According to the statement, the accusations amounted to political blackmail based on rumours and anonymous sources rather than verifiable facts.

The PDP equally dismissed attempts to blame Senator Akume over issues relating to the Zaki-Biam compensation matter, noting that such legal disputes usually involve multiple administrations, prolonged litigation and institutional processes.

The party argued that reducing the matter to the actions of one individual was misleading and dishonest.

It further alleged that the claims published online closely resembled narratives previously circulated by supporters and appointees of Governor Alia, suggesting a coordinated campaign aimed at discrediting political opponents.

The PDP maintained that Governor Alia’s greatest challenge was not Senator Akume or the opposition but what it described as poor governance, worsening insecurity, displaced farming communities, unemployment and growing public dissatisfaction over the management of state resources.

The party also alleged that since Chief Michael Aondoakaa emerged as the PDP governorship candidate, the governor and his supporters had intensified efforts to damage his reputation because they viewed him as a formidable challenger in the 2027 governorship election.

Reaffirming its confidence in its candidate and political structure, the PDP said no amount of propaganda or political blackmail would derail the democratic aspirations of the people of Benue State.

It called on Governor Alia to focus on explaining his administration’s stewardship to the people instead of engaging in what it described as conspiracy theories and political distractions.

The party reiterated its commitment to providing what it called credible leadership, practical solutions, improved security, prosperity and accountable governance for the people of Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.