“Benue PDP Hits Alia for ‘Diversionary Politics’ as Party Moves to Shield Akume, Aondoakaa Ahead of 2027”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s Benue State has strongly rejected allegations linking the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to the emergence of its 2027 governorship candidate, describing the claims as politically motivated and without evidence.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, the PDP dismissed reports alleging that Akume was attempting to impose former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, as the party’s gubernatorial candidate.
The opposition party said the allegations were “speculative, baseless and mischievous,” insisting that Aondoakaa emerged through the PDP’s internal democratic process rather than through the influence of Senator Akume or any external political figure.
According to the statement, suggesting that the ruling APC leader determined the PDP’s candidate undermines the credibility of party members, delegates and stakeholders who participated in the selection process.
The PDP maintained that it remains committed to internal democracy and transparent candidate selection.
The party also questioned the logic behind claims that Senator Akume, who currently serves as Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation and is regarded as a leading figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, would interfere in the affairs of a rival political party.
Addressing speculation that Akume is secretly supporting the PDP, the opposition argued that the growing movement of political associates away from Governor Hyacinth Alia’s camp reflects dissatisfaction within the governor’s own political structure rather than any external interference.
The PDP alleged that Governor Alia’s administration is facing increasing criticism over governance, claiming that many residents expected significant improvements in infrastructure, agriculture, security and economic development following increased federal allocations to states after Nigeria’s fuel subsidy reforms.
As an example, the party pointed to the High Level Junction underpass project in Makurdi, arguing that concerns over flooding and drainage have overshadowed what was promoted as one of the administration’s flagship infrastructure projects.
The statement urged Governor Alia to prioritise governance over political disputes, arguing that public attention should remain focused on issues such as insecurity, unemployment, displaced farming communities and the effective management of public finances.
The PDP also dismissed allegations that Senator Akume, Emmanuel Jime and other political figures were financing opposition efforts aimed at destabilising Governor Alia’s administration, describing the claims as unsupported by credible evidence and based largely on anonymous sources.
Commenting on the long-running Zaki-Biam compensation dispute, the party said the matter involves complex legal proceedings spanning several administrations and warned against reducing the issue to allegations directed at a single individual.
The opposition further claimed that the accusations contained in recent media reports closely resemble narratives allegedly circulated by supporters of Governor Alia, suggesting that they form part of a broader political campaign ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to the PDP, attempts to discredit Chief Michael Aondoakaa intensified after his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate, which it believes reflects growing political competition in Benue State.
The party concluded by stating that political attacks would not distract it from preparing for the next election, reiterating its commitment to providing what it described as accountable leadership, improved security, economic development and practical solutions for the people of Benue State.
While the allegations and counter-allegations highlight the increasingly tense political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections, none of the claims made by the PDP in its statement were accompanied by independently verifiable evidence.
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