Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has issued a strong warning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his attempts to influence the political future of his state through his Rainbow Coalition
TheNewsGuru reports that Alia, in a statement on Sunday through his Special Assistant on Social Media Communications, Asortar James Asortar, declared that Benue is not Rivers State and cannot be pushed around, as he is not Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The warning comes amid reports of Wike-backed political manoeuvres involving key figures seeking to influence party structures and power arrangements ahead of the 2027 general election, including in states controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alia challenged Wike, former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume to clarify the coalition’s objectives, as he rejected any attempt by Wike and his allies to determine Benue’s governorship through private political negotiations.
“Benue is not a political commodity, and its governorship is not for settlement in private political negotiations,” Asortar said.
He insisted that Benue’s political realities differ from those of Rivers State, warning against influential politicians’ attempts to impose leadership arrangements on the electorate.
“If the reported coalition is merely a political alliance, its proponents should explain its objectives openly. If it involves any arrangement intended to influence Benue’s governorship, the people deserve transparency,” he said.
The statement put Alia’s administration at odds with the coalition, as political groups build strength ahead of the 2027 elections and the fight for control of party structures intensifies in the state.
Asortar defended the governor’s record by pointing to the repair of over 550 kilometres of roads and the building of more than 420 kilometres of new roads. He also mentioned efforts to pay off old salary debts and improve salary and pension payments.
He also pointed out security support for agriculture and the repair of Taraku Mills. However, he admitted that insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and the problems faced by displaced residents are still major challenges.
The governor’s aide said powerful politicians cannot claim to control Benue residents’ votes. He stressed that voters should be free to choose the state’s leaders in 2027.
He urged Wike and other figures linked to the Rainbow Coalition to clarify their intentions, while calling on the APC and other parties to respect internal democratic processes and the rights of their members.
The aide said the governorship contest should be decided on security, infrastructure, employment, education, healthcare and agriculture, rather than political intimidation or backroom deals.
“The people of Benue have the constitutional right to determine their political future. Their decision must not be predetermined by political negotiations, external influence or the ambitions of powerful individuals,” he said