Insists Benue’s political future cannot be determined through private negotiations
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has fired a direct warning at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, declaring that Benue is not Rivers State and that he is not Governor Siminalayi Fubara, amid reports of an alleged political coalition involving key figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Alia’s position was conveyed by his Special Assistant on Social Media Communications, Comr. Asortar James Asortar, in a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The statement followed reports of an alleged “Rainbow Coalition” involving Wike, Senator George Akume and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom. Earlier reporting by BusinessDay described a strategy meeting at Ortom’s residence, and said the APC faction loyal to Alia distanced itself from it.
The statement, titled “Wike: Benue Is Not Rivers State and Governor Alia Is Not Fubara,” said the political circumstances of Rivers State should not be used as a template for determining the leadership of Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Benue is not a political commodity, and its governorship is not for settlement in private political negotiations,” Asortar declared.
Aide calls for transparency on the coalition
He said recent reports about the alleged coalition had raised legitimate questions about the future of Benue politics. He called on the individuals mentioned to clarify the purpose and objectives of the purported arrangement.
According to him, any political alliance involving influential figures must be conducted transparently, particularly if it is intended to influence the state’s governorship.
“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,” the statement said.
Asortar argued that every state has its own political realities, interests and democratic mandate. He stressed that no political heavyweight, regardless of position or connections, should assume that Benue’s leadership could be settled privately.
Wike has defended the coalition publicly. He says it is not an APC structure and that President Tinubu knows his plans, according to Arise News. The same report says he is backing PDP governorship candidate Michael Aondoakaa in Benue. For more on that contest, read Daily Talk’s analysis, Aondoakaa and the Prison Decongestion Briefs: What Benue Can Learn About Leadership. ThisDay has also reported that the clash between APC governors and the Rainbow Coalition is intensifying across several states, including Benue.
Alia’s aide defends the administration’s record
Defending the administration, the governor’s aide highlighted reported achievements in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, security, agriculture and industrial development.
He cited figures released by the governor in July 2026, indicating that the administration had rehabilitated more than 550 kilometres of roads and constructed over 420 kilometres of new roads.
On workers’ welfare, Asortar said the government had reported progress in clearing inherited salary arrears and improving the regularity of salary and pension payments.
He also listed the provision of 150 Hilux vehicles and more than 600 motorcycles to security personnel. He added the establishment of the Civil Protection Guards and the Anyam Nyor joint task force as interventions to address insecurity.
However, he acknowledged that insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and the plight of displaced communities remain significant challenges. Daily Talk has covered the toll of the crisis, including the transfer of St. Winifred students to four schools in Benue and the Benue bishop’s decision to shut the school, mission hospital and parish after a fourth fire.
On agriculture, the statement highlighted support for farmers through fertiliser, improved seedlings, mechanisation and cooperatives. It argued that the effectiveness of these interventions should be measured by their impact on production, farmers’ incomes and food security. It also cited the rehabilitation of Taraku Mills as part of efforts to revive the state’s agro-industrial sector and create jobs.
The aide maintained that these interventions provide grounds for assessing the administration’s performance but do not mean all the state’s challenges have been resolved.
“Nobody owns Benue’s votes”
He further insisted that neither the governor nor any minister, former governor or political party owns the votes of Benue citizens. The electorate, he said, must be allowed to assess competing candidates and make independent choices in 2027.
Asortar called on Wike and other stakeholders named in the reports to clarify the allegations. He urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties to respect their internal rules, constitutional principles and the rights of party members. He added that the Alia administration must remain accountable for its promises, spending, development projects and security outcomes. That theme echoes the Benue PDP’s recent demand that the governor account for FAAC allocations.
According to the statement, the 2027 governorship contest should focus on security, infrastructure, employment, education, healthcare and agriculture rather than personal hostility or struggles for political control.
“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,” Asortar said.
He concluded that Benue’s future belongs to its people, urging political actors to let facts, accountability and democratic choice guide the debate ahead of the 2027 elections.
For more on the road to 2027, visit our Politics section, or read Why South-East May Struggle To Produce President — Sowunmi.