2027 ELECTIONS: WIKE CANNOT IMPOSE GOVERNOR ON US — BENUE STAKEHOLDERS REJECT ‘RAINBOW COALITION’

By NaijaParrot October 14, 2026 

 MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — Political tension is building in Benue State ahead of the 2027 general elections as the Benue Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (BAGA) has rejected what it described as an attempt by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and other political figures to influence the state’s governorship contest through the proposed Rainbow Coalition. The group alleged that discussions involving Wike, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom were linked to a political arrangement that could affect the state’s leadership ahead of the next election.

BAGA, through a statement signed by its president, Chief John Terfa, maintained that Benue’s political future must be determined by its people rather than through negotiations among influential politicians outside the state.

 The group reportedly raised concerns over allegations that the coalition could support former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa, as a preferred governorship candidate. The claims about the alleged negotiations and political arrangements have not been independently established. “Benue is not a political commodity to be traded behind closed doors in Abuja,” the group said, insisting that voters must have the final say in deciding who governs the state. 

 BAGA also expressed support for Governor Hyacinth Alia, arguing that his administration should be judged by its performance and that he should be allowed to seek re-election in 2027. The group maintained that any decision on a second term must ultimately be settled through the democratic process.  

The controversy comes amid wider disagreements over the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political platform promoted by Wike to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Wike has maintained that the coalition is focused on supporting Tinubu at the presidential level and does not prevent political parties from fielding candidates for governorship and legislative elections. He has also insisted that the coalition is not an official structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

 However, the initiative has faced criticism from some APC governors and party stakeholders, who fear that a cross-party arrangement could weaken the ruling party’s candidates and structures in the forthcoming elections. 

 BAGA argued that political alliances should be built on transparency, competence, accountability and the interests of the electorate, rather than private agreements driven by personal ambitions. 

 The group further called on Benue residents, civil society organisations and political stakeholders to remain vigilant and protect their right to choose their leaders freely. It insisted that no politician, regardless of influence or position, should be allowed to determine Benue’s governorship outcome outside the established democratic process. 

 The dispute adds to the growing political realignments and disagreements expected to shape preparations for the 2027 elections, with the Rainbow Coalition emerging as a major subject of debate among political actors. 

 NaijaParrot — Hear It First, Hear It True!