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By Tracy Moses
The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned Governor Hyacinth Alia against dragging the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, into the affairs of the opposition party, describing recent claims that the SGF influenced the emergence of the party’s 2027 governorship candidate as false, mischievous and disrespectful.
The party was reacting to reports alleging that Senator Akume was working behind the scenes to impose former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), as the PDP’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, the PDP dismissed the allegation, insisting that Aondoakaa emerged through the party’s internal democratic process without interference from any external political figure.
“The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has been drawn to a mischievous and apparently sponsored report published in Sahara Reporters alleging that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is plotting to impose Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, as Governor of Benue State in 2027,” the statement read.
“Ordinarily, such a publication, built entirely on speculation, anonymous claims, recycled propaganda and unsubstantiated allegations, would not deserve a response. However, because it seeks to malign respected personalities and insult the integrity of the PDP, it has become necessary to set the records straight.”
The party maintained that portraying Aondoakaa’s emergence as the product of Akume’s political influence amounted to an insult to party members and leaders who participated in the selection process.
“To suggest that Chief Aondoakaa emerged as PDP’s governorship candidate through the influence of Senator George Akume is to insult every leader, stakeholder and member of the PDP in Benue State who participated in the process that produced the governorship candidate among many others.
“Chief Aondoakaa did not emerge through the sponsorship of Senator Akume or any external political actor. He emerged through the internal democratic processes of the PDP.”
The opposition party argued that the allegations reflected a misunderstanding of the PDP’s internal operations and contrasted its candidate selection process with what it described as practices in the ruling camp.
“The sponsors of this report apparently believe that every political party operates like their camp where candidates were handpicked and imposed on the majority of party members in phantom primaries that were later declared invalid by the national leadership of their party. The PDP is reputed for internal democracy and due process.”
The PDP also defended Senator Akume, saying it was implausible to suggest that the SGF would neglect his constitutional responsibilities to determine the candidate of another political party.
“It is equally insulting to Senator George Akume, the leader of APC in Benue State and indeed North Central Nigeria, a former Governor of Benue State, former Minister, distinguished Senator for three terms and currently SGF, to suggest that he has abandoned his constitutional responsibilities to become involved in determining who emerges as candidate of another political party.”
Responding to claims that Akume was secretly backing the opposition, the PDP instead pointed to what it described as growing dissatisfaction within Governor Alia’s political camp.
“The claim that Senator Akume is supporting the PDP is particularly amusing. If that were true, why are some of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s most trusted political associates, appointees and supporters abandoning his camp in droves and gravitating towards the Akume political structure and other political parties, including the PDP?” the statement said.
The opposition party also criticised the Alia administration’s performance, arguing that despite increased federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy, Benue residents had yet to experience the expected improvements in governance and development.
“After benefiting from unprecedented federal allocations arising from fuel subsidy removal, Benue people expected transformational projects and tangible improvements in security, agriculture, infrastructure and livelihoods.
“Instead, what they have largely witnessed are endless propaganda, political vendettas, abandoned promises and projects that raise more questions than answers.”
The party singled out the High Level Junction underpass in Makurdi, claiming it had become a symbol of poor planning because of persistent flooding concerns.
“The so-called underpass at High Level Junction in Makurdi remains a glaring example. The underpass has become synonymous with flooding concerns in the area due to the apparent absence of an effective drainage solution. What was presented as a flagship achievement has become a symbol of poor planning.”
Antyo urged Governor Alia to focus on governance rather than political disputes.
“Governor Alia should spend less time sponsoring propaganda and more time studying what his colleagues across the country are doing with the enormous resources made available to states following the removal of fuel subsidy,” he said.
The PDP also rejected allegations that Senator Akume, former APC governorship candidate Emmanuel Jime and others were funding opposition figures to destabilise the state government or sponsor impeachment moves against the governor.
“The allegation that Senator Akume, Emmanuel Jime and others are funding PDP candidates to impeach Governor Alia is perhaps the most ridiculous claim in the entire report.
“Where is the evidence? Who provided the funds? Which candidates received them? What transactions support this allegation? None.”
The latest exchange underscores the deepening political rivalry in Benue State as key actors across party lines intensify political realignments and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.