BAGA Rejects Rainbow Coalition Urges Respect For Voters’ Choice in Benue 2027 Governorship Election

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (BAGA) has called on political stakeholders to respect the will of the electorate in determining the leadership of Benue State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The group made the call amid reports of a proposed political alliance involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom.

In a statement signed by its President, Chief John Terfa, and issued to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday, BAGA expressed concern over what it described as alleged political negotiations that could influence the state’s governorship contest.

The group claimed that the discussions were linked to a proposed political arrangement reportedly known as the Rainbow Coalition, which it alleged could involve the selection of a preferred governorship candidate for Benue State ahead of the 2027 elections.

BAGA further alleged that the arrangement was connected to broader political efforts to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, with Benue reportedly among the states being considered in the negotiations.

It also claimed that former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, was being considered as a possible governorship candidate under the proposed arrangement.

However, the group maintained that any political alliance involving Benue State should respect the constitutional right of voters to determine who governs them through a credible electoral process.

According to BAGA, political consultations among stakeholders are part of the democratic process, but such engagements should not undermine the freedom of the electorate to make their choices.

The organization stressed that the state’s political future should be determined by the preferences of its citizens rather than agreements reached exclusively among political leaders.

It also expressed support for Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, arguing that his government should be allowed to present its record to the electorate and seek another mandate in accordance with the law.

BAGA said the 2027 election should provide an opportunity for voters to assess the performance of the incumbent administration alongside the programmes and credentials of other candidates.

The group urged political stakeholders to prioritize governance, development, accountability and the welfare of residents as preparations for the next governorship election gather momentum.

It further called on politicians seeking the support of President Tinubu to pursue their political ambitions through democratic engagement without arrangements that could restrict the choices available to Benue voters saying Benue people are politically conscious and will not surrender their future to a coalition of political interests formed without their consent.

BAGA also urged civil society organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to promote peaceful political participation and encourage issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

The organization said political alliances, regardless of their names or composition, should be guided by the interests of the people and respect for democratic principles, adding that there is need to ensure that Benue voters retain the final say in choosing their next governor.