Governor Alia Should Face Governance Challenges, Leave Akume Out of PDP Affairs – Benue PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has rejected what it described as a “mischievous and sponsored” publication alleging that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is plotting to impose Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the opposition party described the report as speculative, baseless and intended to malign respected political figures while undermining the integrity of the PDP.
The party insisted that Chief Michael Aondoakaa emerged as the PDP governorship candidate through the party’s established democratic process and not through the influence or sponsorship of Senator George Akume or any external political actor.
According to the PDP, suggesting that Akume determined its governorship candidate amounts to an insult to the party’s leaders, stakeholders and members who participated in the nomination process.
The statement further argued that the PDP has maintained a long-standing tradition of internal democracy, unlike parties where candidates are allegedly imposed through questionable primary elections.
The opposition party also described as illogical the allegation that Senator Akume, who serves as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and remains the leader of the APC in Benue State and the North Central region, would interfere in the internal affairs of another political party.
Reacting to claims that Akume is secretly backing the PDP, the party questioned why several of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s political associates and supporters have reportedly continued to leave his political camp for the Akume political structure and other parties, including the PDP.
The PDP argued that Governor Alia’s greatest political challenge is not external opposition but growing dissatisfaction within his own administration, alleging that the governor has failed to effectively manage his political structure and deliver on campaign promises.
The party further criticised the Alia administration over what it described as poor utilisation of increased federal allocations received by states following the removal of fuel subsidy, claiming that Benue residents expected significant improvements in infrastructure, agriculture, security and economic development.
Using the High Level Junction underpass project in Makurdi as an example, the PDP alleged that the project has become associated with flooding concerns due to inadequate drainage planning, describing it as a symbol of poor project execution rather than development.
The statement also urged Governor Alia to focus on governance instead of political battles, citing governors from other states who have embarked on major infrastructure projects and public sector reforms with increased federal revenues.
On allegations surrounding the Zaki-Biam compensation matter, the PDP maintained that the issue involves complex legal disputes spanning multiple administrations and institutions, insisting that attempts to place responsibility on a single individual are misleading.
The party further claimed that the allegations published in the report closely resemble narratives allegedly circulated by supporters and appointees of Governor Alia in recent days, suggesting that the publication formed part of a coordinated political campaign.
Dismissing claims that Senator Akume, Emmanuel Jime and others are funding PDP candidates to impeach Governor Alia, the PDP challenged those making the allegations to provide verifiable evidence rather than relying on anonymous sources and speculation.
According to the statement, the real issues confronting Benue State include insecurity, displaced farming communities, youth unemployment and public concerns over the utilisation of government resources rather than political conspiracy theories.
The PDP also alleged that since Chief Michael Aondoakaa emerged as its governorship candidate, Governor Alia’s supporters have intensified efforts to discredit him because they fear his electoral strength ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The opposition party concluded that no amount of political propaganda or media attacks would alter public perception, insisting that Governor Alia should concentrate on explaining his administration’s performance to the people instead of blaming political opponents.
It reaffirmed its commitment to offering what it described as credible leadership, practical solutions, accountable governance and improved security for the people of Benue State as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
