2027: Alia, Aondoakaa And The Emerging Political Realignments In Benue -By Kehinde Adewole

The recent remarks by Asortar James Asortar, Special Assistant on Social Media Communications to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, warning the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against interfering in Benue politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, raise important questions about the governor’s political confidence and his understanding of democratic competition.

In his reaction, titled “2027: Benue Gov, Alia Dares Wike: Benue Isn’t Rivers, I’m Not Fubara,” Asortar sought to draw a distinction between the political situation in Benue State and the crisis that has engulfed Rivers State. However, his attempt to portray Benue as a political territory that must be shielded from the influence of Wike and other political stakeholders is not only misplaced but also laughable.

More importantly, it raises a fundamental question: Why does Governor Alia appear so uncomfortable with the emerging political realignments in Benue State, particularly the candidacy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN?

Is the governor genuinely concerned about protecting Benue’s political independence, or is he apprehensive about the growing possibility of a formidable opposition challenging his administration in 2027?

These are legitimate questions in a democracy where political leaders must be prepared to defend their records before the electorate rather than express unease over the activities and alliances of their opponents.

Political Alliances Are Part of Democracy

Asortar’s warning to Wike that Benue is not Rivers State and that Alia is not Governor Siminalayi Fubara appears to suggest that political alliances and consultations involving influential political figures amount to an attempt to undermine the state’s leadership.

Such reasoning is difficult to sustain in a democratic society.

Politics is a game of interests, negotiations, alliances and compromises. Political actors are at liberty to consult, build coalitions and work together towards common objectives, provided they operate within the law and respect democratic principles.

The emergence of the Rainbow Coalition in Benue State should therefore be seen as a welcome development for the people, particularly if it creates an opportunity for broader political participation, stronger opposition and a more competitive democratic process.

Coalition-building is neither alien to Nigerian politics nor exclusive to any political party. It is a legitimate political strategy through which individuals and groups with different backgrounds can unite around shared interests and aspirations.

The Rainbow Coalition should not be condemned simply because it involves political figures whose interests may not align with those of Governor Alia. Rather, its significance should be measured by its objectives, its commitment to democratic principles and its potential contribution to the political future of Benue State.

If the governor believes in the strength of his administration and enjoys the confidence of the people, there should be no reason to fear the coming together of political forces.

Why the Anxiety Over Michael Aondoakaa?

The more pressing issue is the political significance of Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the PDP governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

Aondoakaa’s candidacy presents the electorate with an alternative political platform and an opportunity to assess competing visions for the future of Benue State. In any functioning democracy, such competition should be welcomed rather than treated as a threat to the incumbent.

Governor Alia was elected to serve the people, and his administration must be judged on its performance, promises, policies and the extent to which it has addressed the concerns of ordinary Benue residents.

Consequently, the question should not be whether Aondoakaa or his political allies have the right to pursue their ambitions. They do. The real question is whether Alia’s administration can convince the electorate that it deserves another mandate.

When an incumbent’s political camp responds to opposition alliances with combative declarations and warnings, it risks creating the impression that it is more concerned about political survival than democratic competition.

It would be premature to conclude that Alia is afraid of Aondoakaa merely because his aide has criticised Wike. Nevertheless, the governor’s camp should understand that political confidence is demonstrated through performance, public engagement and a willingness to face opponents at the ballot box.

If Alia is confident in his achievements, he should allow the people to decide whether those achievements merit another four years.

Wike, Ortom and Akume Owe Alia No Political Explanation

Another misconception in the argument advanced by Alia’s aide is the suggestion that political consultations involving Nyesom Wike, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, require some form of explanation or justification to the incumbent governor.

With due respect, Wike, Ortom and Akume owe nobody, particularly Governor Alia, an explanation of their political consultations or the purpose of the Rainbow Coalition in relation to the next governor of Benue State.

They are political actors with their own interests, convictions and constitutional rights. Like every other Nigerian, they are entitled to participate in political discussions, explore alliances and support candidates of their choice within the provisions of the law.

Alia’s position as governor does not confer on him ownership of Benue State’s political space, nor does it grant him the authority to determine who can consult whom, which alliances can emerge or what political arrangements other stakeholders may pursue.

The same democratic freedom that enabled Alia to seek and win public office belongs equally to his political opponents.

If the Rainbow Coalition is intended to advance a particular political agenda, its members should be allowed to explain that agenda to the people in their own time. If their objective is to support a candidate other than Alia in 2027, that is a legitimate political choice.

The electorate, not the incumbent governor, will ultimately determine whether such an alliance deserves public support.

Benue Is Not Rivers, But Democracy Applies to Both

The comparison between Benue and Rivers States is unnecessary if the objective is to promote democratic stability.

Every state has its unique political history, internal dynamics and leadership challenges. What happens in Rivers State cannot automatically be replicated in Benue, just as the political circumstances of Benue cannot be used to deny other stakeholders their democratic rights.

However, the assertion that Benue will not be subjected to political manoeuvres witnessed in Rivers State should not become an excuse to discourage political consultations or portray every emerging alliance as an external threat.

The best safeguard against political manipulation is not rhetoric, intimidation or the demonisation of influential political figures. It is a transparent, credible and lawful democratic process in which the wishes of the people prevail.

No political leader, regardless of position or influence, should be permitted to substitute personal ambition for the collective will of the electorate.

Equally, no individual or group should be denied the right to participate in legitimate political activities merely because the incumbent considers their actions inconvenient.

The political future of Benue State must be determined through democratic arrangements, credible elections and the ballot, in a process that reflects the will of the majority of voters.

Let the People Decide in 2027

Asortar and other supporters of Governor Alia should recognise that the 2027 governorship election is not a contest that can be won through media confrontations, political warnings or attempts to discredit emerging alliances.

It will be decided by the people of Benue State.

The governor’s most effective response to the activities of the Rainbow Coalition and the candidacy of Chief Michael Aondoakaa is to present a compelling record of governance, communicate his achievements and convince voters that his leadership offers the best path forward.

If the people are satisfied with his administration, they will have the opportunity to express that satisfaction at the polls. If they desire a change of leadership, their votes should equally be respected.

That is the essence of democracy.

Benue State belongs to its people, not to any governor, political party or coalition. Its future cannot be determined by threats, declarations of political superiority or the preferences of a select group of political elites.

Governor Alia should therefore resist the temptation to interpret every political alliance as a conspiracy against his administration. Instead, he should embrace the democratic contest, engage the electorate and allow the opposition to exercise its legitimate political rights.

Ultimately, the 2027 election should not be about whether Benue is Rivers State, whether Alia is Fubara or whether Wike, Ortom and Akume can be prevented from engaging in political consultations.

It should be about who can earn the trust of the people, provide responsible leadership and deliver a better future for Benue State.

Alia should allow the voters to determine the direction of Benue ahead of the next governorship election. Their mandate, freely expressed through a credible ballot, must take precedence over the fears, calculations and ambitions of any political leader.

That is democracy. And that is the decision every political actor in Benue State must be prepared to respect.

Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com