Benue group rejects rainbow coalition, alleges plot to unseat Alia

From **Scholastica Hir, **Makurdi

The Benue Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (BAGA) has rejected a proposed political arrangement it described as a rainbow coalition, alleging a plot to unseat Governor Hyacinth Alia ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

In a statement issued in Makurdi yesterday by its president, Chief John Terfa, the group urged political stakeholders to respect the right of Benue voters to determine who governs the state.

The statement followed reports of a proposed alliance involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former Benue governor, Chief Samuel Ortom.

BAGA alleged that the discussions were linked to a proposed arrangement known as the Rainbow Coalition, which it claimed could influence the outcome of the governorship election.

According to the group, the alleged arrangement formed part of broader political negotiations aimed at securing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, with Benue reportedly among the states being considered in the process.

It further alleged that former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, was being considered as a preferred governorship candidate under the proposed coalition.

The group maintained that while political consultations and alliances were legitimate aspects of democracy, they should not undermine the choices of the electorate or exclude citizens from decisions concerning the state’s leadership.

“Why should political actors from outside Benue have a decisive influence over who governs the state? Benue is not a political commodity to be traded behind closed doors in Abuja. The people of the state must have the final say on who governs them and the direction their state takes,” it said.

The organisation also expressed support for Alia’s administration, arguing that the incumbent should be allowed to present his record in office to the electorate and seek re-election in accordance with the law.

“Alia’s administration is performing well in governance and development, so political alliances should not be used to undermine the democratic choices of the electorate. Governor Alia should be allowed to complete his constitutionally permitted tenure, if re-elected in 2027,” it said.

It urged political stakeholders to focus on governance, development and residents’ welfare rather than allow political negotiations to overshadow the democratic process.

The group also called on political actors seeking Tinubu’s support to pursue their ambitions through transparent and democratic means, without arrangements that could compromise the independence of Benue voters.

“Benue people are politically conscious. They will not surrender their future to a coalition of political interests formed without their consent,” the statement said.

BAGA urged civil society organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to promote peaceful political participation and encourage issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections.

It maintained that the reported coalition, regardless of its political objectives, should not prevent the electorate from freely deciding who governs the state, stressing that candidates should be judged on their records, policies and capacity to deliver good governance.

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