Benue not political commodity to be traded behind closed doors — Group

The Benue Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (BAGGA) has raised concerns over the alleged existence of a “rainbow coalition” in Benue State, purportedly aimed at preventing the re-election of Governor Hyacinth Alia in 2027.

The president of the group, John Terfa, raised the concern in a statement, on Wednesday, in Makurdi.

 The alleged coalition, according to Terfa, could influence the outcome of the 2027 governorship election.

He rejected the reported arrangement, insisting that the people of Benue should determine their political future.

Terfa alleged that some prominent politicians from the state were working with external forces to unseat Governor Alia in the forthcoming election, adviseing such politicians to desist as the people of the state would not compromise their future.

Terfa also alleged that a minister from the South-South was involved in secret political negotiations with prominent politicians from Benue who, he claimed, were determined to frustrate Governor Alia’s re-election.

The group questioned why political actors from outside Benue should have a decisive influence on the choice of its governor, arguing that the decision must remain with the electorate.

The statement read in part: “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.

“We believe that Alia’s administration is performing well in governance and development, but our position is that political alliances should not be used to undermine the democratic choices of the electorate.

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“We are making it clear that Benue people are politically conscious. They will not surrender their future to a coalition of political interests formed without their consent.

“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.”