Alliance for Truth and Democracy says Benue voters, not ethnic organisations or external interests, will determine the state’s political future as it demands answers over insecurity and alleged political agreements.

The Alliance for Truth and Democracy (ATD), Benue State Chapter, has warned Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore against what it describes as an attempt to influence or impose Governor Hyacinth Alia on the people of Benue State for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The group declared that the people of Benue would resist any attempt to undermine their democratic rights, insisting that the choice of who governs the state must rest exclusively with voters through a free and fair electoral process.

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In a statement signed by its Benue State Chapter representative, Jerome Zoho, ATD condemned Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore’s endorsement of Governor Alia for a second term, describing it as an expression of political preference that should not be mistaken for the collective will of Benue residents.

The organisation argued that the endorsement was particularly insensitive at a time when several communities in the state continued to raise concerns over insecurity, attacks on farming settlements and the displacement of residents from their ancestral homes.

ATD Questions Endorsement Amid Insecurity

ATD said the endorsement had raised questions about the relationship between Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and the Alia administration, particularly against the backdrop of persistent insecurity affecting rural communities.

The group maintained that no organisation, ethnic interest group or political association had the authority to determine Benue State’s political leadership outside the established democratic process.

According to the statement, Miyetti Allah is entitled to express its political preferences, but such endorsements cannot replace the votes of the people or confer an electoral mandate on any candidate.

The organisation insisted that the 2027 governorship election should be determined by the freely expressed will of Benue voters rather than political arrangements allegedly designed to advance external interests.

Group Demands Clarification on Alleged ₦7 Billion Payment

The ATD statement also called on Governor Alia to respond to allegations that he received ₦7 billion from Fulani interests in 2023 in exchange for protecting their interests in Benue State.

The group described the allegation as serious and urged the governor to provide a clear and verifiable explanation of any dealings that may have given rise to the claim.

However, the allegation remains unverified in the material provided for this report and should not be treated as an established fact without independent evidence or a response from the governor.

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ATD further questioned the relationship between the governor and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, urging the state government to address public concerns surrounding the group’s endorsement and its reported commendation of the administration’s positions on issues affecting Fulani pastoralists.

The organisation also referenced the group’s acknowledgement of the governor’s efforts concerning the release of its detained national president, Bello Bodejo, saying the circumstances surrounding such interactions warranted public scrutiny.

Rural Communities Deserve Better Security, ATD Insists

The organisation urged the Alia administration to explain what it described as continuing security challenges in rural communities, including concerns about poor road access and the difficulties security agencies may face in reaching vulnerable settlements during attacks.

It also called for clarification of questions surrounding an alleged understanding between the governor and Miyetti Allah concerning rural road development.

ATD maintained that any such claims should be addressed transparently, stressing that the protection of lives and property must remain the government’s foremost responsibility.

The group further called for greater accountability in the management of security funds, arguing that residents deserved demonstrable improvements in safety and the restoration of confidence among communities affected by violence.

It said the government should provide evidence of effective security measures that would enable displaced residents to return home and allow farmers to resume agricultural activities without fear.

‘Benue Land Is Not a Political Bargaining Chip’

ATD warned against any political arrangement that could compromise the interests, security or democratic rights of Benue residents.

The organisation said the state’s ancestral lands, farmlands and communities should not become bargaining instruments in political negotiations or electoral calculations.

It urged the governor to clarify the basis of Miyetti Allah’s endorsement and respond to the allegations and questions raised about his relationship with the organisation.

According to ATD, the issues at stake extend beyond partisan politics to questions of public trust, accountability, security and the protection of citizens.

The group maintained that political affiliations and electoral ambitions must not take precedence over the constitutional obligation of government to protect lives and property.

2027 Election Must Reflect Voters’ Choice

Looking ahead to the 2027 governorship election, ATD expressed confidence that Benue voters would exercise their democratic rights and determine the state’s political future through the ballot.

It warned against political pressure, intimidation or any arrangement that might undermine the electorate’s freedom to choose its preferred candidate.

The organisation stressed that an endorsement by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, or any other interest group, could not be presented as equivalent to the mandate of the people.

ATD concluded that the outcome of the election must reflect the freely expressed choice of Benue voters, insisting that no organisation should claim the authority to dictate who governs the state.