Political tension is rising in Benue State over unconfirmed reports that allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are courting a coalition with prominent local figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Sahara Reporters, the alleged moves have sparked unease among party members and observers in the state.
The report, published on Saturday, claims that Atiku’s camp is seeking an alliance with Senator George Akume, former Governor Samuel Ortom, and other influential politicians. However, the story has been met with swift pushback. Vanguard News reports that Ortom has publicly denied any plot to replace the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Aondoakaa, suggesting the rumors are unfounded.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah, has denied holding secret talks over the Benue PDP ticket, according to LEADERSHIP Newspapers. Tribune Online also quotes Ortom reaffirming his support for Aondoakaa as the party’s candidate, while Legit.ng carried a Hausa-language report of the same denial.
The conflicting accounts highlight a broader struggle for control within Benue’s political landscape. The state has seen shifting loyalties in recent cycles, with figures like Ortom and Akume often on opposing sides of national alliances. Any realignment ahead of 2027 could reshape the PDP’s chances in the state, as well as affect broader opposition coordination against the ruling party.
For now, the denials suggest that the reported alliance is either premature or exaggerated. What remains unclear is whether these public statements will hold as the election season intensifies. Observers will be watching for any concrete moves by Atiku’s camp or local leaders that could confirm or contradict the initial report.
