By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Benue Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (BAGA) has rejected an alleged political arrangement known as the “Rainbow Coalition,” reportedly 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 State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
The group alleged that the proposed coalition was aimed at influencing the outcome of the 2027 Benue State governorship election and preventing Governor Hyacinth Alia from securing re-election.
BAGA, however, insisted that the people of Benue State must be allowed to determine their political future through a free and fair democratic process, without undue interference from political power brokers.
In a statement signed by its president, Chief John Terfa, on Tuesday, the group claimed that Wike had held discussions with Akume and Ortom in recent weeks over the proposed alliance.
According to BAGA, the alleged arrangement was linked to efforts to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, with five states reportedly being considered for political influence under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Benue State.
The group further alleged that the proposed coalition was intended to support former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, as a preferred governorship candidate in Benue.
However, BAGA did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate its allegations concerning the reported meetings and political arrangement.
The group questioned why political figures from outside Benue should have a decisive influence on the state’s leadership, arguing that the choice of governor must remain the exclusive right of the electorate.
“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 statement said.
BAGA also alleged that tensions arose during one of the reported meetings at Akume’s residence in Abuja, where Wike was said to have questioned why Governor Alia had become politically influential.
The group further claimed that Wike wanted Akume to ensure that Alia did not emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election, regardless of the outcome at the polls. It also alleged that Wike boasted of having influence over the judiciary.
These claims could not be independently verified.
Rejecting what it described as an attempt to determine Benue’s political leadership through private negotiations, BAGA maintained that Governor Alia should be allowed to seek re-election and complete two terms if returned to office by voters.
The group expressed support for Alia’s administration, describing its performance in governance and development as encouraging. It argued that political alliances should not be used to undermine the democratic mandate of the electorate.
BAGA also criticised the record of Ortom’s administration and expressed concern over what it described as divisions within Benue’s political landscape arising from the influence of powerful interests within and outside the state.
It maintained that any coalition seeking to influence the 2027 governorship election must be guided by transparency, competence, accountability and the interests of the people, rather than personal ambition or political bargaining.
The organisation also challenged political actors seeking President Tinubu’s support to pursue their ambitions without imposing conditions that could compromise the people’s right to choose their leaders.
“Benue people are politically conscious. They will not surrender their future to a coalition of political interests formed without their consent,” the statement added.
BAGA called on voters, civil society organisations and other political stakeholders to remain vigilant and defend the state’s democratic rights ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Whatever colour it is given, Rainbow, PDP or otherwise, the people will reject any arrangement that threatens their collective interests and development,” the group said.
“Benue is not Rivers State, and we will not allow Wike to choose a governor for us in Benue State,” it added.
The group said the central issue was whether political negotiations allegedly taking place in Abuja would respect the right of Benue voters to determine their own leadership.
It reiterated that the state’s governorship must be decided through a credible democratic process rather than private agreements among political leaders.
BAGA’s allegations remain claims made by the group and have not been independently verified. The individuals named in the statement were not quoted as responding to the allegations.
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