2027: PDP dismisses Akume-Aondoakaa alliance, insists Alia using propaganda to mask failures

By Johnson Arua

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, is plotting to install the party's governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), as governor in the 2027 election, describing the claim as false, malicious and politically sponsored.

The party said the report, recently published by an online medium was aimed at discrediting Aondoakaa, embarrassing Senator Akume and undermining the integrity of the PDP, insisting that its governorship candidate emerged through a transparent democratic process.

In a statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Bright Antyo, the PDP said it was compelled to respond because the publication sought to mislead the public and malign respected political figures.

Antyo said, "Chief Michael Aondoakaa did not emerge as the PDP governorship candidate through the sponsorship of Senator George Akume or any external political actor. He emerged through the internal democratic processes of the PDP, a party known for internal democracy and due process."

According to him, attributing Aondoakaa's emergence to Akume was an insult to party members who participated in the primary election, as well as to the SGF, whom he described as a statesman with constitutional responsibilities at the national level.

The PDP also turned its criticism on Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing his administration of focusing on political propaganda instead of addressing the state's pressing challenges.

The statement said the governor should explain how increased federal allocations to the state had been utilised, arguing that Benue people expected improved security, infrastructure, agriculture and economic opportunities after the removal of fuel subsidy.

"Rather than showcasing landmark achievements, Governor Alia appears more interested in political warfare, media attacks and the manufacturing of imaginary enemies," Antyo said.

He further cited the High Level underpass in Makurdi as an example of what the PDP described as poor project planning, alleging that the facility had become associated with flooding concerns because of inadequate drainage.

The opposition party also rejected allegations that Senator Akume, former NEPZA Managing Director Emmanuel Jime and others were sponsoring PDP candidates to impeach Governor Alia.

"Where is the evidence? Who provided the funds? Which candidates received them? None. The authors merely assembled rumours, wrapped them in anonymous sources and presented them as facts. It is crass political blackmail," the statement read.

On the controversy surrounding the Zaki-Biam compensation, the PDP argued that the matter involved longstanding legal processes spanning several administrations and should not be reduced to what it called a politically motivated attack on one individual.

The party maintained that Governor Alia's greatest challenge was not the PDP or Senator Akume but what it described as growing public dissatisfaction over insecurity, displacement of rural communities, youth unemployment and unfulfilled campaign promises.

"No amount of propaganda against Chief Michael Aondoakaa, will erase public dissatisfaction or stop the democratic aspirations of the people of Benue State. As 2027 approaches, the governor should focus on giving account of his stewardship rather than promoting conspiracy theories," Antyo stated.

The PDP reiterated its commitment to providing what it described as credible leadership, practical solutions and accountable governance for the people of Benue State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.