Group Rejects Alleged Rainbow Coalition Plot in Benue
The Benue Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (BAGA) has rejected an alleged political arrangement it says is aimed at influencing the outcome of the 2027 governorship election in Benue State, insisting that the choice of governor must remain with the electorate.
In a statement signed by its President, Chief John Terfa, the group alleged that secret political negotiations involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and former Governor Samuel Ortom, were underway over a proposed alliance reportedly known as the “Rainbow Coalition.”
BAGA alleged that the discussions were part of a wider plan by Wike to gain political influence in five Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled states as part of efforts to deliver President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, with Benue allegedly among the states targeted.
The group further claimed that the alleged arrangement was aimed at positioning former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, as a preferred governorship candidate in Benue. BAGA noted that Aondoakaa was barred by the Supreme Court from holding public office for life over abuse of office during his tenure as Attorney-General.
BAGA questioned why political actors outside Benue should determine who governs the state, describing the alleged plot as an attempt to trade Benue’s political future behind closed doors in Abuja.
“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,” the group said.
The organisation alleged that Wike had held a series of meetings with Akume and Ortom in recent weeks to discuss the arrangement. It claimed that tension arose during one of the meetings at Akume’s residence in Abuja, where Wike allegedly questioned why Akume had allowed Governor Hyacinth Alia to become politically powerful.
BAGA also alleged that Wike demanded that Akume ensure Governor Alia is not re-elected or declared winner in 2027, and boasted of influence over the judiciary.
The group rejected what it described as an attempt to determine Benue’s leadership through private negotiations among powerful individuals, insisting that Governor Alia should be allowed to complete his constitutionally permitted tenure if re-elected in 2027.
It said Alia’s administration was performing well in governance and development, adding that political alliances should not be used to undermine the democratic choices of voters.
BAGA also criticised the record of Ortom’s administration and expressed concern over what it described as divisions within Benue’s political space caused by the influence of powerful interests within and outside the state.
According to the group, any coalition seeking to influence the 2027 election should be based on transparency, competence, accountability and the interest of the people, rather than personal ambition or political bargaining.
It further urged political actors seeking President Tinubu’s support to pursue their ambitions without attaching conditions that could compromise voters’ democratic choices.
“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 called on voters, civil society groups and political stakeholders to remain vigilant and defend the state’s democratic rights ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Whatever colour it is given — Rainbow, PDP or otherwise — the people will reject any arrangement that threatens their collective interests and development,” it said.
“Benue is not Rivers, and we will not allow Wike from Rivers State to choose a governor for us in Benue State,” the group added.
The organisation said the central issue is whether political negotiations in Abuja will respect the right of Benue voters to determine their own leadership.
It maintained that the governorship of the state should not be decided through private agreements among political power brokers, but through a democratic process in which the people have the final say.
